China students clash with police

College students in China's southern Jiangxi province have clashed with police during protests about their academic status, reports say.

The action began after students learned that their degrees from two private universities might not be recognised.

Reports say between a few hundred and several thousand people took part.

One report, which could not be independently confirmed, said protesters set fire to a building, wrecked offices and damaged cars.

Police are believed to have been brought in to control the situation, resulting in clashes with some students.

Expensive education

China has seen a series of protests over the status of degrees granted by private universities.

Many of these universities have been set up by state-run institutions as profit-making organisations.

They cater for students who have been turned down by top universities but can afford to pay for expensive higher education.

However, in recent months the government has clamped down on the practice, refusing to recognise degrees from many of the private institutions.

This has left many students angry that their degree may be worth nothing.