As China's Economy Slows, Labor Protests Pick Up

FILE - The Country Garden One World City project under construction is seen on the outskirts of Beijing, Aug. 17, 2023. Real estate difficulties in China have led to construction issues and labor protests. FILE - A migrant worker wearing a face mask walks by construction cranes near the office buildings at the central business district in Beijing, March 15, 2023. FILE - A migrant worker stands on a street next to signs advertising his work skills as he waits to get hired in Shenyang, in northeastern China's Liaoning province, Feb. 25, 2021.

Labor protests in China have increased rapidly since August of last year, according to rights groups, especially in the lead-up to Lunar New Year, which began late last week.