Shoddy Construction in China Shocks the Eye: Newly Built Bridge Already Crooked

Recently, a devastating earthquake hit Myanmar, causing a building under construction in Bangkok, Thailand to collapse. The contractor responsible for the building was China Railway Construction Corporation, and critics have mocked China for exporting substandard construction practices. This incident has highlighted the prevalence of “tofu-dreg projects” not only abroad but also within China itself.

Over the years, numerous reports on the internet have exposed the poor quality of various construction projects in China, with an increasing frequency in recent times.

For example, in Hubei Province, videos surfaced showing a new bridge in Zhaojialing Village, Puji Town, Jiangling County tilting shortly after completion. The local authorities admitted sinkage issues with the bridge pier and took remedial measures. Similar incidents of substandard construction have been reported across the country, raising concerns about the safety and integrity of infrastructure projects.

In Sichuan, the discovery that the railing of a river channel was filled with foam instead of solid material shocked residents, who had expected it to provide protection. Similarly, a video revealed cracks on a newly constructed highway in Quzhou, Zhejiang Province, even before it was opened for traffic, reflecting a pattern of compromised construction standards.

Whistleblowers have emerged, reporting instances of cutting corners and using inferior materials in major projects. Mr. Qi, who worked on a construction site in Ziyang, revealed discrepancies in the structural components, such as shorter steel reinforcements and inadequate concrete foundation height. Despite his efforts to raise concerns with the authorities, no action was taken, highlighting the systemic issues within the construction industry.

In a report by Xinhua News Agency, journalists uncovered instances of substandard materials being used in the High-Speed Railway project, compromising its safety and durability. When the reporters attempted to investigate the matter further, they were physically assaulted by personnel from the contracting company, China Railway Seventh Bureau, underscoring the challenges faced by those seeking accountability.

Not limited to railways, the substandard construction practices extend to other infrastructure projects, including subway systems. Incidents like the collapse at Xiamen Lvcuo subway station in December 2019 have raised questions about the safety of public transportation facilities in China.

The prevalence of poor construction practices has also affected residential buildings, with reports of newly constructed apartments collapsing due to shoddy workmanship. Homeowners have voiced frustrations over the lack of accountability and recourse against developers who deliver subpar housing.

The risks associated with substandard construction were further highlighted by the tragic collapse of the Meilong Expressway in Meizhou, Guangdong Province, resulting in multiple casualties. The incident underscored the human cost of cutting corners in construction projects and the shortcomings in post-disaster response and accountability.

As China continues to export its construction expertise through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, concerns about the quality and safety of Chinese-built infrastructure projects abroad have been raised. The collapse of the Novi Sad railway station in Serbia, constructed by Chinese companies, underscores the transnational impact of substandard construction practices.

The earthquake in Myanmar and the subsequent collapse of the National Audit Office building in Bangkok, overseen by China Railway Tenth Bureau, have drawn attention to the repercussions of “tofu-dreg projects” on a global scale. Despite attempts to suppress discussions within China, the incident has sparked international scrutiny of Chinese construction standards and is likely to influence attitudes towards Chinese involvement in infrastructure development projects worldwide.

The string of construction failures, from collapsed bridges to compromised subway systems, underscores the urgent need for improved oversight and accountability in China’s construction industry. The ramifications of these “tofu-dreg projects” extend beyond borders and serve as a cautionary tale for countries engaging with Chinese construction companies.