Chengguan, or urban management officers, in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, were outfitted with new equipment.

With helmets, stab-proof vests, shields, protective gloves, radios and cameras, the urban management officers look more like armed police.

The local urban management office said the new equipment is for protection only and not for attacks, and the use of the new gear must follow strict procedures and rules. But the media questioned whether chengguan need such equipment against street vendors.

The new equipment delivers a message of violent enforcement, which will only make people uneasy, said a comment from Yanzhao Evening News.

The new equipment of chengguan, or urban management officers, in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, Aug 23, 2013. [Photo/CFP]