Politics and the purse

By K.N.C., R.L.W. and L.P.

The surprising disparity in the wealth of American and Chinese politicians

MANY Americans grumble about the wealth of their politicians. An annual survey released this month by CQ Roll Call, part of The Economist Group, showed that the median net worth of all Congressmen was $440,000, compared with American household net worth of around $70,000. Indeed, the 50 richest members of Congress hold a staggering $1.6 billion. But that's nothing compared with China. The wealthiest 50 delegates to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's rubber-stamp parliament, control $94.7 billion, according to the Hurun Report's latest rich list. That's about 60 times more than their American confrères. Darrell Issa, a Republican from California, is the richest man in Congress, with $355m. But that is pocket money compared with the riches of Zong Qinghou, an NPC delegate and boss of Hangzhou Wahaha Group, a drinks-maker, whose wealth totals almost $19 billion (including assets distributed to family members). Americans might not take much succour in being trumped by China, but it certainly brings new meaning to the idea that the seat of political power is called the capital.