Most Development in Rural China Done Illegally
Peasants losing their means of living while government is getting kickbacks.
It is estimated that 80% of the farmland that has been turned into development zones in China has been acquired illegally. Resulting land disputes have pitted poor peasants with no ownership rights against violent local governments that are responding with arrests and retaliation. "Local officials lease the land to developers at high prices and use the windfall on ambitious construction projects that help them build reputations and gain promotions." The central government, mindful of history, is now attempting to exert direct control on land use.
Thanks to Ratna Amin
Full Story:
Published on Sunday, March 7, 2004 in
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