The purpose of this book is to examine the significant and increasing problem of state bank non-performing loans (NPLs) in China, which have undermined the stability of the banking system and the efficient operation of markets. The accumulation of NPLs in China has been caused by the dominant role of State banks in China's financial markets, weak internal controls within State banks, policy loans to state owned enterprises, unnecessary administrative controls on banks' lending activities, and inappropriate banking regulation and supervision. The author draws on experiences at national, regional and international level to make recommendations for the development of better workout procedures for existing NPLs. He also examines the role of banking regulation and supervision in preventing accumulation of NPLs and in avoiding the impact of NPLs on the stability of the banking system and the conditions of market discipline.

The 1990s have seen a massive rebirth of the real estate industry in China. Although ownership of Chinese land is in theory restricted to the State and to agricultural collectives, in practice the concept of the "right to use" land has evolved into a system of real estate law with many parallels in the West, including such familiar elements as mortgages, leases, zoning, liens and taxation. The difference lies in procedural requirements, and it is in this practical area that prospective foreign investors in Chinese real estate should find this book useful. Taking into account the Land Use Purpose Control System that came into effect in China on January 1, 1999, the authors of this book fully explain such important components of real estate development and use as the following: planning requirements; qualifying to obtain a land use right; fee requirements; registration procedures; taxes affecting real estate; bankruptcy provisions affecting real estate; landlord/tenant rights and duties in commercial leasing; appraisal and survey procedures and a great deal more. They provide clear guidance through the complex web of administration and regulation at every government level, including the important role of the agricultural collectives in the expanding urban fringes. They analyze the areas of unsettled law - for example, tenant default remedies - that might create significant concern for western investors, and offer recommendations that avoid pitfalls. This is a detailed, comprehensive guide to real estate investing in today's China.