On February 14, the *Southern Metropolis Daily* published an article titled *"Qingdao’s Chemical Project Over $500 Million Causes Public Panic,"* which quickly sparked widespread public concern. The Qingdao Lidong Chemical Construction Project and Sinopec’s "large oil refining" initiative became immediate focal points of debate. Many people drew comparisons to the infamous PX incident in Xiamen, calling on government authorities to take public opinion into account and protect Qingdao’s clean environment and residents' quality of life. Following the six-month-long controversy over the Xiamen PX project, the Fujian Provincial Government ultimately decided to relocate the project from Haicang District to the Gulei Peninsula in Zhangzhou. This move was seen as a response to public pressure. However, the recent announcement of the Lidong Aromatic Project has once again stirred up fear among Qingdao’s citizens, who are worried about the potential impact on their city's natural beauty and environmental health. As public awareness of environmental protection and safety continues to grow, more people are becoming cautious about the risks associated with chemical production. Yet, many still lack a clear understanding of the chemical industry itself. Some people tend to view all chemicals as harmful and all chemical plants as sources of pollution. This misunderstanding has led to unnecessary fear and rejection of the entire sector, which unfairly tarnishes the image of responsible chemical companies. Rather than focusing on whether the Lidong project meets environmental standards or how much risk it poses, we should reflect on the recurring pattern of public panic surrounding such projects. The reality is that these controversies have repeatedly raised important questions about transparency, public participation, and long-term planning in the chemical industry. The oil and chemical industry has become increasingly controversial in recent years. Several high-profile accidents—such as the Jilin Petrochemical benzene explosion, the Guiyang sulfur dioxide leak, and the Dadi TDI nitrotoluene tank explosion—have left lasting impressions on the public. These incidents not only serve as warnings but also fuel public anxiety and a growing desire for change. With China’s rapid development of the petrochemical industry, concerns about environmental accidents have grown. Aging equipment, poor management, and the presence of outdated technologies in some facilities pose significant risks. Additionally, the uneven development of chemical parks and insufficient investment in pollution control contribute to the problem. Given the nature of chemical production, many plants are located near rivers, making them particularly dangerous if an accident occurs. Multinational corporations (MNCs) are often praised for their environmental and safety practices, yet many have been found to violate local regulations in China. In 2007, over 90 foreign companies were listed as polluters, including several Fortune 500 firms. Some of these companies appear to lower their environmental standards once they are in China, raising concerns about “pollution transfer” from developed countries. This has led to increased scrutiny of large foreign chemical projects, like the one in Qingdao under South Korean ownership. Despite these challenges, modern life is deeply connected to the chemical industry. From plastics to medicines, chemical products play a vital role in everyday life. It is essential to recognize the industry’s contributions to economic growth and societal progress. The key is to address public fears through better communication, transparency, and stricter regulation. Until there is solid data and scientific assessments, it is premature to claim the project will cause harm. However, this wave of public concern should push policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to rethink how chemical projects are planned and executed. They must be more transparent, environmentally friendly, and community-focused. In the long run, improving the overall safety and environmental performance of China’s chemical industry is crucial. Strengthening legal frameworks for environmental protection and holding polluters accountable can help ensure that only sustainable and responsible enterprises thrive. Only then can the public regain trust and support the healthy, green development of the chemical industry.

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