Kicking 'ants' out won't help them

Efforts to wipe out capsule living will not solve problem for low-income renters

'I've got a 22-square-meter room for 600 yuan a month - and it's near the subway station!!!" read my friend's text message. He was keen to share the good news that he'd found a cheap apartment and I think his excitement was entirely summed up by the three exclamation marks.

So, some days later, I went over to his new place for a house warming party. As soon as he opened the door I sensed something was odd - the layout of his new home was a little confusing - but the feeling soon dissipated once we got to his room. It's spacious and well equipped, and even has a balcony. The going rate of a room like this in that neighborhood is at least twice as much as he's paying.