What Would Happen If China’s Government Agencies Cooperated With Each Other?
September 11, 2012
Better coordination between administrative agencies in China would solve a lot of problems, but the kleptocracy probably won’t go for it.
Tag Archives: local government
Finance Ministry Warns Local Governments On Pension Fund Investment
March 27, 2012
Times are tough for local governments these days, and the Ministry of Finance has issued a friendly reminder concerning the security of these funds.
What to Do About “Ant Corruption”?
January 16, 2012
Small-time administrative corruption seems to be getting worse in China. Does this tell us anything about enforcement efforts? What should be prioritized?
How Do You Say NIMBY in Chinese?
August 15, 2011
China’s Nimbies are happy today, but how are local governments going to respond to future pushback?
The Irony of the ‘My Father is Li Gang’ Case
February 1, 2011
After all is said and done, I find it interesting that the case of Li Qiming, who was found guilty of manslaughter last week, became famous for something that never actually happened. The kid ran over two people, killing one, and then tried to use the name of his famous father to avoid prosecution. Well, [...]
China’s Democratic Baby Steps
January 28, 2011
Grandpa Wen visited a “government complaints bureau” the other day. Don’t roll your eyes. This emphasis on government accountability may tell us something about future political reform.
When is a Government Approval Not Really a Government Approval?
January 24, 2011
China has been experiencing federalism problems for thousands of years and still hasn’t figured it all out. Just because a government official in an office somewhere gives you assurance on a particular issue, that doesn’t mean you can rely on it.
Enforced China Blackouts Illustrate Energy, Federalism Challenges
September 9, 2010
How serious is China about meeting energy efficiency targets? How about enforced blackouts of entire towns?
Public Corruption: Have You No Shame?
September 5, 2010
One thief equals one guilty individual. With two hundred thieves, we all bear some responsibility.
China Acknowledges Pernicious Effects of Golf
August 16, 2010
I hereby call upon the Central Government to ban government officials from participating in any and all golf-related activities. It’s for the best.
Anti-corruption Crackdown or Moral Crusade?
July 26, 2010
Are immoral government officials more likely to engage in corrupt activities? Some say yes and are using this to justify investigations into the private lives of state employees.
Drunk Driving in Nanjing: One Year Later
July 25, 2010
It’s been a year since drunk driver Zhang Mingbao ended the lives of five people in Nanjing and the police began a crackdown. Have we learned anything?
Sometimes You Gotta Bow to Conventional Wisdom
July 22, 2010
I used to think that all that talk out there of China taking the place of the U.S. as global superpower was ignorant speculation. I’m beginning to rethink my position.
Enforcing China Court Decisions: Help Is On the Way?
July 21, 2010
Enforcing court judgments in China can be very difficult, particularly when government agencies fail to cooperate with one another. The Supreme Court is working on it.
Image Projects Update: Big Ben & the Jiangxi Flood
July 19, 2010
A city in Jiangxi spent 290 million RMB to construct its very own Big Ben clock tower, while calls for reconstructing embankments on the Fu River were ignored. This did not end well.
Image Projects Illustrate China’s Urban Planning Shortcomings
June 23, 2010
The war on local officials continues. First we were worried about local corruption, then there were budget issues. Now it’s urban planning. Mind you, all of this criticism is warranted.
New Editorial on Government Transparency Law in China
June 11, 2010
Baimiao township in Sichuan gained a lot of attention earlier this year when it posted its budget online. Tsinghua Law prof Cheng Jie has written an excellent (non-tech) comparative analysis of government transparency law.
Microsoft Continues to Impress on Anti-Piracy Cooperation Programs
May 19, 2010
In recent years, Microsoft has enjoyed major IP victories in China with respect to government users and, working with hardware manufactuers, pre-installed software. Now they’re going after Internet cafes.
China FDI Comes to Cleveland?
May 16, 2010
Cleveland wants to offer a long-term deal to a Chinese firm in return for jobs. Is this the beginning of a trend?
China’s People’s Congresses: No Longer Rubber Stamps
May 6, 2010
Clients and colleagues can tell you that one issue that crops up in 90% of my first-time client meetings, and 100% of those that involve IP enforcement, is federalism. Specifically, I like my clients to know right away that the Chinese government, despite its authoritarian aspects, is not a monolithic body with tight control over [...]