In southwest China, local officials sabotage banquets by throwing salt on food. Objective: put an end to excessive spending in rural areas.
“Hong bao”, envelopes used to give money, are offered during family celebrations, wedding receptions, or traditional festivals. The debate sparked by videos of the incident posted online has not subsided. The Weining County government issued a statement saying that the officials who spoiled the meal were severely reprimanded and therefore had to apologize to the villagers.