Asymmetric Property Rights in China's Economic Growth

39 Pages Posted: 22 Feb 2006

See all articles by Xiaobo Zhang

Xiaobo Zhang

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Date Written: 2006

Abstract

This paper highlights the difference between secure investor property rights and loosely defined individual property rights in China today. Globalization and fiscal decentralization have intensified this difference. On the one hand, in the presence of mobile foreign direct investments and under the arrangement of fiscal decentralization, local governments compete vigorously to offer various protections on the property rights of investors; on the other hand, local governments and developers attempt to acquire land at the lowest price possible by taking advantage of the loopholes inherent in the Chinese law. Secure investor property rights, together with weak protections on individuals' land property rights, are argued to be one of the major drivers of China's rapid economic growth. But the same factor can veer those individuals being deprived of land into violence and social unrest, which may undermine China's social stability and long-term sustainable growth.

Keywords: Property rights, Chinese economy, growth

JEL Classification: O10, 053

Suggested Citation

Zhang, Xiaobo, Asymmetric Property Rights in China's Economic Growth (2006). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=882446 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.882446

Xiaobo Zhang (Contact Author)

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) ( email )

2033 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
United States
202-862-5677 (Phone)
202-467-4439 (Fax)

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