In their pursuit of economic growth, some local governments may have just gone too far, as the recent row over the rights to use the name of a notorious fictional character for promoting the local economy has shown.

The fictional character is none other than Ximen Qing, the protagonist in the controversial novel, The Golden Lotus. In the novel, Ximen is portrayed as leading a life of debauchery with seven concubines, oppressing the common man and taking part in dirty deals with corrupt local officials.

It is ludicrous that the three local governments should vie for being the hometown of Ximen, as he is not even a historical figure. More ridiculous, Ximen has long been considered an epitome of debauchery and hooliganism in Chinese culture.

One reason may be that the local governments believe places carrying his name will likely attract more visitors. The local governments, by their action, are sending a message that upholding basic principles is secondary to promoting the economy.

If they can do that by giving publicity to a fictional womanizer and scoundrel, and taking pride in being the hometown of such a guy, they will, we believe, stop at nothing to achieve growth.

Why is local economic growth so important? It will decide whether local leaders get promoted or have enough money from the local treasury to squander on pet projects.

There is no moral consideration in their motivations to promote the local economy. So it is only natural that they do not feel ashamed in so doing. We, however, don't believe they will get anywhere by this gesture.

(China Daily 05/06/2010 page8)