BEIJING (AFP) - - Police in the central Chinese city of Yueyang have detained 11 people after a massive taxi strike developed into a riot with drivers beaten and cars smashed, state media said.

The strike began Friday, when the drivers, unhappy with the amount of money they must hand over to their companies, parked their cars in front of city hall and refused to move, Xinhua news agency reported.

The situation developed Saturday, as more drivers joined the strike, some being dragged out of their cabs and forced to participate, according to the agency.

Some taxi drivers who refused to go along were beaten up while their cars were smashed, Xinhua said.

The striking drivers were angry because they must pay up to 7,100 yuan (1,040 dollars) every month to their companies, it reported.

Observers have warned that the global crisis and the economic downturn in China could lead to more instances of unrest.