Chen Yongzhou, reporter of the Guagnzhou-based New Express newspaper. [File photo]

Chen's detainment has also provoked a heated public discussion.

He Bing, deputy dean of the Law School of China University of Political Sciences and Law, said that police should show sufficient evidence to prove Chen's stories had caused damage to Zoomlion's business reputation.

Fan Yijin, dean of the College of Journalism and Communication at Jinan University, said that even if there is hard evidence against Chen such as blackmail or taking commercial bribes, police have no right to imprison him before he stands trial.

One micro-blogger named Shifeike said that if Zoomlion couldn't agree with Chen's stories, it should seek justice in court; police have no right to make a move at this stage. It seemed the authorities were using Chen's stories as an excuse to protect their local business.

Another micro-blogger by the name of Pubaoyi, said Chen didn't publish the stories on his personal social media and therefore, even if the stories have damaged Zoomlion's business reputation, Zoomlion should take action against New Express, but not against Chen himself.