China admits first rise in poverty since 1978
 

The first rise in poverty since the start of market-orientated reforms in 1978 will embarrass and alarm the communist leadership, which sees the growing gap between urban rich and rural poor as the greatest threat to the stability of the world's most populous country.

"The economy is growing as fast as ever, but the quality of the growth is declining," Professor Lin said.

Although the central government has pumped vast sums into the least-developed western areas, much of it is reportedly wasted by corrupt or inefficient officials.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,1264864,00.html