Washpost claims that Zhang Shuhong of Lee Der Industrial Co., Ltd., the leaded toy supplier to Mattel, has committed suicide. Zhang's colleagues claim, apparently over the telephone, his death by hanging in his factory. Terrible, if true. But, true? Please, can I be skeptical of this one, too? This report strikes me very wrongly. I have emailed the writer of the piece, asking for corroboration.
UPDATE (August 14, 2007): Oh, boy. Mattel Recalls 8.8 Million Toys.
What effect on Chinese factory owners? (Did I hear a black cackle out there?) I can see the headline in the Asian edition of News of the World (sorry, even I won't provide a link to that site): Lee Der led in lead, leading to loads of ledge leaping!
By the way, why has no journalist yet gently knocked on the door of the bereaved Zhang (Cheung) family to confirm his death? A phone call to a local PSB (Public Security Bureau) appears to be the only follow up done by any writer. And that, of course, we can count on. Right, all you China-based journalists?
