Closer Look: The Best Kind of Gov't Intervention

Much has already been said about China's economic transformation. However as a journalist, I may be able to offer a different perspective.

Every year during the Spring Festival, many of my colleagues return to their hometowns. Back at work, we naturally discuss the goings-on of our various hometowns.

This year everyone has talked about one phenomenon: a shortage of labor. There has been a rapid increase in the salaries of skilled workers, such as carpenters and bricklayers. And salaries keep rising. Some colleagues say that fewer and fewer young people can be seen at construction sites. Instead, many positions have been taken by middle-aged people or those even older.