Anti-China protests

HANOI: Vietnamese police detained over a dozen protesters yesterday in the capital Hanoi, and in other cities halted demonstrations against plans for new special economic zones that the protesters fear will be dominated by Chinese investors.

Vietnam said in May last year it planned to open three special economic zones that offer investors greater incentives and fewer restrictions than available in the country at present.

It is feared the draft law for foreign investors to lease land for up to 99 years will favour China.

It was not clear if protesters in any other cities had been detained. – Reuters