Recently, a violent conflict erupted between urban management officers and a street vendor in Binzhou, Shandong province, garnering widespread attention and quickly becoming a hot topic on social media. At least hundreds of passersby gathered to watch the scene unfold, as captured in photos and videos circulating online.
On the evening of May 24th, at the intersection of Bohai Wu Road and Huanghe San Road in Binzhou, Shandong, a clash broke out between urban management officers and a mobile barbecue vendor. Footage and images from the scene showed individuals wearing uniforms with “Urban Management Enforcement” engaging in a heated argument with the vendor, with some physical contact and food items scattered on the ground. The vendor fought back with his barbecue fork.
Around one hundred spectators, mostly young people, were present at the scene, many of whom were taking photos or recording videos on their mobile phones.
As negative news about urban management officers has surfaced in various regions before, this incident, once shared online by netizens, sparked lively discussions on urban management and livelihood issues. Some expressed sympathy for the street vendors, believing that they were simply trying to make a living.
After videos of the clash between urban management officers and the vendor went viral online, on May 25th, the Bincheng District Beizhen Street Office in Binzhou issued a report stating that since May 15th, they had received multiple complaints regarding a mobile vendor operating without a license at the intersection of Bohai Wu Road and Huanghe San Road, obstructing traffic. On the evening of May 24th, they once again requested the vendor to cease operations, but the vendor refused to comply, leading to a gathering of onlookers.
However, some netizens offered different perspectives, claiming that the vendor was actually operating beneath an abandoned building and not occupying the road. This statement contradicted the official report and further fueled discussions among netizens.
Some netizens remarked, “We are all born of the same roots, so why rush to see each other burned? A barbecue stall earns around 4000 yuan a month. Renting a storefront costs 1500 yuan, plus expenses and labor costs, making it unprofitable. Moreover, they have to obtain permits and pay taxes, leaving them with no choice but to set up stalls on the streets.”
In the comments of netizens, there is a clear division of opinions. Some believe that street vendors are just trying to make a living and should not be overly criticized, suggesting a more tolerant approach to their location and hygiene issues. Others expressed frustration, stating, “The Communist Party doesn’t give the common people any opportunities.”