Nasty home prices

"Land prices in Kunming are lower than in all neighboring (provincial capital) cities. But not home prices. Why? Because the money has found its way into the purses of developers. This is huge corruption. Why? Because some officials have played the role of protectors of developers."

The statement could have been from anyone irate over soaring housing prices in Kunming, or any other Chinese city. Except for the obvious truth, it shows little restraint.

But that doesn't matter. What matters is that Qiu He, a controversial Party chief in the southwestern city, is the person who said the angry comments. The outspoken Party cadre is known not only for his disregard of unspoken rules in civil service, but also for his unyielding resolve for pressing ahead with what he believes to be correct.