December 27, 2002 Bad debts put strain on Chinese bank system From Oliver August in Beijing WHEN Larry Long visits the imposing marble-tiled office of his local bank, he sees what many regard as the biggest threat to China’s Communist leadership. The white-haired property developer tried recently to withdraw £8,000 from his account at the Beijing branch of the Everbright Bank. The embarrassed bank manager confirmed that Mr Long had enough money in the account but was adamant that he could withdraw no more than £800. Overnight, and without informing customers, China’s largest semi-privatised bank had introduced a rule allowing...