Each car in China must pass an annual exhaust emissions test. However, a recent China Central Television report shows no matter how bad a car's emissions are, it can pass the test as long as the owner pays an agent 200 yuan ($31), of which 150 yuan goes to the testing staff. Comments:

The corruption in the emissions test system best explains why we have so many strict environmental protection measures yet our air remains polluted: those entrusted with environmental protection seek personal gain from their power, instead of doing their jobs. We must accept the frustrating fact that corruption is still rampant in the domestic environmental bureaucracies. The anti-graft storm has been going on for two years and we expect it to clean up this as well.

Beijing News, Sept 14