Both your leader and briefing on privatization in China stress the hidden costs involved, such as corruption (”Privatization with Chinese Characteristics” and “Privatization in China,” September 3, 2011). Well spotted. But consider the hidden benefits, such as, well, corruption. Everything you have to say kindly assumes that most of the officials involved are of the eternally benevolent kind. In your rendering, they smack of a religious order divesting itself of all the goodies at their disposal for the benefit of all. The Chinese government and party behind it are hardly a religious order, though. They are perfectly normal human beings. They economize as best they can. To wit, privatization is about turning state property into private property in the hands of those close to the government and party. Quick and direct as it is, corruption is the least of the spoils that can be taken out of the game. The real benefit of privatization is in making state property your own. Or the property of your family or clan. And for all times. That is the name of the game. In short, forget about the costs and turn your gaze to the benefits of privatization. Given the size of the country, they are staggering, indeed.