Labor unrest at Komsomolsk refinery underscores Russian-Chinese industrial tensions
Over 100 Chinese workers staged a protest in the city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur on the morning of April 12. Footage released by local outlets Komsagram and "Kasatkin Writes" shows demonstrators marching through the city before beginning a sit-in on Pervostroitelei Boulevard.
Witnesses report the protesters are employees of Petro-Hehua, a company operating near a major Rosneft oil refinery. The workers moved from their industrial housing complex to the city center to demand official intervention.
The demonstrators carried signs written in both Chinese and Russian. Their primary demands were directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin and Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, seeking resolution for ongoing labor grievances.
Mayor Dmitry Zaplutaev reportedly met with the group to initiate negotiations. While a statement briefly appeared on the mayor’s VKontakte social media page confirming talks with the Chinese nationals, the post was later deleted without explanation.
Despite the heavy presence of Police and Rosgvardia (National Guard) units at the scene, law enforcement has refrained from making arrests. This restraint marks a notable departure from the typical response to public demonstrations in the region.
This incident follows a similar protest at the same refinery in November 2021. At that time, Chinese staff protested over unpaid wages and demanded immediate repatriation to China.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
