Officials in southwestern China stated they would cancel the construction of a major petrochemical plant if the majority of residents in the area are opposed to it, The Wall Street Journal reported. Kunming Mayor, Li Wenrong, made the pledge on Friday after city residents had taken to the streets to protest the environmental impact and health effects of the proposed plant. Residents voiced particular concern over the production of the chemical paraxylene, known as PX, at the facility. PX, used in the production of plastics, is produced as part of the refining process and is known to be a respiratory irritant.