China observers have expressed support for a new Chinese government policy on land and property rights.

The proposal calls for permitting Chinese villagers to rent out their homes and farms. China experts say this could increase development and ease tensions in rural China, especially in areas ignored by the government.

The observers say a growing number of houses are empty in rural areas as people move to cities.

Chinese officials released the policy document earlier this month. It said the government would ease controls on rights for rural land and unused housing. As a result, it said, people who moved to cities could permit development of their properties or rent out their homes.

Aliqismet BADALOV,
“Khalq qazeti”