To put the death penalty into some perspective the article details the following values: US$4 million, Yuan41 million, Yuan27 million, Yuan19 million, and Yuan4 million. Now, consider the wage of the average worker.

I can usually agree with capital punishment for 1st degree murder, but this is China.

At first glance this doesn't sound such a bad idea. But, in my opinion, it's a 'BandAid' response.

Wen Jiabo isn't such a bad person, in fact, in a fully democratic country he would pass as an acceptable, hard-working, prime minister. Nevertheless, to relieve graduates of the responsibility of repaying their student loans — there are other ways to reduce that burden (assuming that it is a burden for all of them).

Anyone who is familiar with Southwest China (Yunnan?) knows that there aren't any positions available for Northeast China graduates to fill.

The communist ideology that permits government to make people relocate at will, goes against the statements of a 'harmonious' society, whether we are talking about students relocating to the countryside or, for other reasons, relocating to areas of unrest.

I only hope that those graduates apply for positions before making the journey in order, for one thing, that their diplomas, etc., are checked for credibility, because they will not arrive with smiles on their face, and workers with a grudging attitude could be a political nightmare.

The huge number of university graduates is related to the over abundance of universities which are being built, or extended, every day. There are too many examples of students with a 'fail' grade being awarded a degree. The money would be better spent building many more high schools in the rural areas where the students should remain until fully qualified for university entrance (should that be their intended destination).

This story, and its' accompanying 'related article' can only be described as extraordinary. Governments, at all levels, must have their attention drawn to the seriousness of the situation. But, as long as the restaurants have fish on the menu, everything may seem acceptable.
Sorry to be cynical - so easy in China.

I would like to send my best wishes for a healthy and happy new year especially to the staff of Salvador's.
Additionally, I should like to say that there is plenty of unrelated police evidence to suggest that the eventual 'official' story may need a pinch of salt. For example, congratulations to the PSB for, now, solving the bus bombing!
Again, Happy New Year.

Chris; if I had written this interesting piece, I would have been tempted to highlight the words "... power and coal projects," The words jumped out of my screen but maybe not everyone's.
Just kidding ... a bit.