Demolition, literally translated as chaiqian in Chinese, is a major source of disputes between urban residents and real estate developers.

We have repeatedly read reports of "nail households" who refuse to have their houses torn down until their demands for compensation are met by developers. We have read reports of developers cutting off water and electricity to force people out of their homes. And, we have even come across stories about developers hiring thugs to force people out of their homes with threats of violence.

The disputes are sparked by both parties determined to protect their interests - developers wanting to pay less compensation, and residents seeking as much compensation as they can.

In such circumstances, a government must protect the interests of those required to vacate their premises, while making sure future development is not hindered.

The latest regulations adopted by the Harbin municipal government at the weekend can be considered a step in the right direction.

The regulations stipulate that a demolition should never be carried out before a hearing is held. The hearing is meant to guarantee that residents are well informed about the future development of their premises, that their objections are heard, and terms of compensation agreed to.

A report on the hearing must then be compiled and approved by the local government, before demolition can begin.

We cannot say for sure such regulations will reduce the number of conflicts between residents and developers. But the message is that this government is doing something about this thorny issue.

If the regulations are carried out to the letter, the interests of the residents involved will undoubtedly be better protected.

What we worry about is whether the municipal government means what it says and will take a serious view of the regulations. The impression we get from past conflicts between residents and developers is that a local government usually tends to side with the developers.

It is not only because most of the real estate projects should have been approved by local governments, which get benefits from such projects as well, but also because most of the corrupt officials punished have been involved with real estate developers for illegal gains.

The real problem is that a government should not play the role of both a player and a judge at the same time.

We hope our worries are unfounded, and the Harbin municipal government really intends to solve this problem by making developers more aware of their responsibilities when dealing with residents and demolitions.

(China Daily, April 1, 2008)