Coup in Beijing, Says Chinese Internet Rumor Mill

Is there a coup in China? The coup rumour began with Chinese bloggers noting some unusual security around the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in the centre of Beijing on Monday night. The speculation grew more obvious when some residents reported hearing gunshots in the area.

Such suspicions snowballed when websites like the Falun Gong-linked Epoch Times (“Coup in Beijing says Chinese Internet rumour mill”) and the Taiwan-based Want China Times (“Shots Fired in Beijing – but what kind?”) quoted unnamed “sources” suggesting a coup attempt had been launched against the government of President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. For now, this is a rumor. This story will continue to unfold.

Paul Collins, author of Mack Dunstan’s Inferno / Mystery of Everyman’s Way

Contact him on http://www.facebook.com/#!/authorpaulcollins