'Qiongren' - the poor people

That kind of politics is a luxury which China cannot afford at this stage of its journey from an undeveloped agrarian economy to developed nation status - later, perhaps. Basic needs must be met first. The political rights of individuals will come later when bellies are full, and there is social security, and universal education and health-care.

Sure there is corruption. Every developing country has it: from Africa to Indonesia, from Russia to India, from Central to South America.

But tackling this cancer seriously would entail some cost, for example:

1. a redirection of government effort during this critical period in China's development; and
2. the potential loss of so much administrative talent (to the firing-squads and the jails).

It is that endemic. The system is riddled with it.

Further, such a task would also demand unity of purpose from a leadership group which represents many competing interests and forces within Chinese society. The fact is, a serious anti-corruption drive is not an option during this phase of development. This will come later.

Despite carefully constructed appearances, President Hu Jin Tau does not lead a compliant body of ministers and legislators. Like governments elsewhere around the world, he must deal with hawks, doves, and factionalism.

Factions include, for example; the development-at-any-cost “Shanghai clique” of ex-president Jiang Zemin; the conservative Military and Police, and the more progressive group led by Hu Jin Tau and his deputy Premier Wen Jia bao.

Although the government is a totalitarian regime, the President's authority is not total. He is a committee man, and his power is limited. Western views of China as a fiery dragon with an appetite for raw power are inaccurate. In fact, consensus, compromise, and caution underlie all decision-making in China.

Once a decision has been made, however, the totalitarian authority of government ensures that important policies are implemented quickly. For example: the recent infrastructure stimulus package in response to the world economic downturn. The government can, and does, tell the banks what to do. The Party, with its representatives on the board of every major corporation in China, does likewise. When the Party or the government says jump: everybody jumps.

Except, maybe, those cadre down at the local county level, on the outer-limits of centralised power and responsibility. A corrupt or self-serving local elite can get away with a lot. They can lie to the central government about many things. For example; how the budget for last year's flood mitigation was spent; or how many people drowned this year as a result of leaking budgets.

There is no auditing, no accountability, and no transparency. Too many of these capitalist communists are kings of their counties.

Servants of the people?

Don't make me laugh.