A Yanqing town resident who was involved in a tense standoff with demolition crews last Tuesday says the situation escalated on Monday night when three armed men threatened his life.

Kang Shunqing, who lives in Ziyoujie village within the Yanqing area, says he was intimidated by the three, who were carrying knives with blades up to 70 cm long.

Last Tuesday, Kang resisted dozens of black-suited guards carrying powder fire extinguishers who he believes were acting on behalf of a real estate developer wanting to demolish his home.