WSJ on China

http://www.futureofcapitalism.com/2012/02/wsj-on-china

The Wall Street Journal has a big story on wealthy people in mainland China thinking of moving to America or Europe. Says the article: "They are in search of things money can't buy in China: Cleaner air, safer food, better education for their children. Some also express concern about government corruption and the safety of their assets."

Lower down comes a reference to the source: a "survey by the state-run Bank of China and Hurun Report." More: "Most people cited their children's education as the main reason, followed by concerns over air quality, food safety and financial security." And, "Another survey last year, by management-consulting firm Bain & Co. and state-run China Merchants Bank, showed similar results."

You have to read pretty far down into the story to find one emigrant who says that in China, "The government has too much power."

I suppose the surveys by the state-owned Chinese banks didn't include "the government has too much power" as a choice in their questionnaires, which is why the top of the article leaves readers with the absurd impression that people are fleeing China for food safety instead of for freedom.

by Ira Stoll  |  Feb 21, 2012 at 11:08 pm Related Topics:  China receive the latest by email: subscribe to the free futureofcapitalism.com mailing list