Construction of a petrochemical plant in Maoming, Guangdong province, will be suspended if a majority of residents oppose the project, a spokesman for the local government said.

"The paraxylene production project is still under a promotional process. Construction of the plant will be based on the will of residents," the spokesman said.

Crowds of residents have taken to the streets since Sunday to protest the proposed 3.5 billion yuan ($564 million) PX project, due to fears of threats to the environment and health.

The spokesman said on late Monday evening that the local authority will develop channels to gather public opinions before deciding whether to launch the petrochemical project.