The rich and the spirit of charity

Open the newspapers these days and you can hardly avoid reading about the activities of China's super rich - whether it is about the exclusive properties they are buying in London or the activities of their often-spoilt offspring.

One thing you certainly don't read too much about is their giving to good causes. If you do hear about that, it is usually international celebrities such as Jackie Chan or Yao Ming, who are leading the way. Contrast this with the situation in the United States where billionaire financier Warren Buffett has just finished a one-month campaign with 40 American billionaires pledging half of their personal wealth to charity.

I think, and of course, we shouldn't jump to conclusions. The appeals for help following the Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes were very well supported and I am sure there were plenty of contributions from rich individuals. I also don't think we should make too much of a contrast with the US.