My New Favorite Symbol of China’s Income Gap

2009-12-02

This one is simply breathtaking. I can't think of a better example of the excesses of the rich, the dangers of fast economic growth, and the challenges currently facing Beijing.

Chinese officials have promised to crack down on illegal golf courses, threatening harsh punishment to developers catering to "the rich man's game" at the expense of much-needed farmland.

Demand for courses is soaring as the country's newly wealthy adopt the sport. But officials hope that a satellite system to check the illicit use of land will help them to identify unapproved venues, state media reported today.

China imposed a moratorium on course building in 2004, but the game's popularity has led developers to continue construction without permission. (The Guardian)

You can't make this stuff up.

Tags: China Business & Economy, China Law