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Pictures posted in Chinese websites show up to 20 uniformed officials surrounding illegal food stalls. According to China's state-run news agency Xinhua, the government inspectors then stood and stared at the vendors until they left. Apparently, all the staring worked. Xinhua reports that vegetable sellers along one road in the city of Wuhan last week moved out of "shame and embarrassment".

The officials - called Chengguan in Chinese - patrol city streets checking that vendors have the necessary licences. But they're frequently criticised for their thuggish behaviour which has triggered riots in the past.

Their staring tactics have won some praise online. One internet user said it was better they used their "eyes instead of their fists". But others have termed all the staring as "emotional abuse". It's not the first time these tactics have been deployed in Wuhan. Chinese state media say it’s likely the officers are exploring non-violent law enforcement techniques. But it had one unintended consequence. Curious bystanders stood and stared themselves wondering what on earth was going on.