In Ust-Luga in Leningrad Oblast, Russia, a large natural gas chemical project site saw an incident on August 9 where over a thousand Chinese workers surrounded and intercepted Russian police cars to prevent armed officers from arresting a worker who was demanding unpaid wages.
According to reports from the Chinese website “yesterdayprotests.com,” which focuses on protests and collective rights actions, as well as Russian media outlets, the incident took place at the Baltic Sea natural gas chemical complex project in the Kingisepp District of Leningrad Oblast.
On August 9, a Chinese worker got into a dispute with project management over long-standing wage arrears.
Russian media reported that the worker was drinking alcohol at the time and insulted the management during the conflict, prompting the project management to call the police.
Upon the arrival of local Russian police, armed with assault rifles and other weapons, they forcibly entered the dormitories and took the worker in question into custody, preparing to take him away.
Simultaneously, there were reports of someone who appeared to be a site supervisor shouting in Chinese, “Police are enforcing the law, don’t take photos,” which triggered discontent among other Chinese workers present.
Soon after, hundreds, later expanding to over a thousand Chinese workers swiftly gathered and surrounded the police cars, preventing the armed officers from taking away the Chinese worker and demanding his release.
Footage from the scene that surfaced showed a large number of Chinese workers in work uniforms, wearing safety helmets and reflective vests, gathered around the police cars, with some recording the scene on their phones and others singing the “March of the Volunteers.” Some individuals on the scene displayed heightened emotions, shouting loudly at the law enforcement officers.
Eventually, under pressure from the crowd at the scene, it was reported that the Russian police evacuated and released the involved Chinese worker.
As for the aftermath of the incident, such as the wage dispute involving the worker, potential illegal actions by the project management, and whether the Russian authorities will further investigate, there is currently no concrete information available.
Upon the news spreading, Chinese netizens have been commenting on the incident. Some expressed sentiments like, “It seems easier to fight for rights in Russia than in China.” Others remarked, “Chinese companies not only exploit their own people overseas but also seek help from foreigners.”
Analysts point out that the event highlights Russia’s high dependence on Chinese labor in major projects amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict leading to continued tension over Russian resources.
According to Chinese sources, the project is located near Ust-Luga Port, the second-largest port in Russia, and is being constructed by China Chemical Engineering Seventh Construction Co., Ltd.
Public documents from China Chemical Engineering Group introduced the Baltic Sea natural gas chemical complex project as one of the group’s key projects in Russia, drawing continuous attention from the public.
Previously, in July 2026, there were reports of collective protests by Chinese workers associated with the project due to wage issues. Some workers had previously protested collectively over wage arrears.
Social media also previously circulated reports of clashes between Chinese workers working on the project and local Russian personnel.