The Chinese Minister of Human Resources and Social Security Yin Wenmin cited a weakening economy (and resulting job losses) as the source of the recent labor and social unrest affecting the country. Since securing jobs and economic stability are vital to maintaining control for the Chinese government, authorities are moving quickly to quell protests by recently laid off factory workers. Strategies include handing out payments to unemployed, reneging on plans to raise the minimum wage, and requiring businesses to seek approval for large layoffs.
See "Protest-Hit China Says Job Stability Top Priority", Lauren Keane, The Washington Post, November 19, 2008