The national rural crisis is now being used as an opportunity by some reformers to push for radical changes to the way peasants are treated by the state. Experiments at introducing income taxes to replace the raft of ad hoc fees and taxes levied by local administrations since the early 1980s are being stepped up. This reform, which was pioneered in Anhui province, is now to be spread across the country from next year. The tax reforms are the most important and crucial change envisaged, because if successful they would weaken the power base of local cadres and strengthen the hand of the central government. Yet, in Qipan, many believe that such reforms are too late, since corruption in the countryside is already too widespread.
Locals claim all official posts are now for sale.
He alleged that even in a relatively poor place, a smart official could save enough to send his children to be educated abroad. For those who speak out, like Qipan's party secretary Li Changping, even the hand of Premier Zhu cannot stretch out far enough to offer protection from the local network of corruption.