Shenzhen, a special economic zone in South China, plans to distribute housing allowances among several wealthy executives for well-known companies, which has raised hot discussions online, the Beijing News reports Thursday.

These executives are considered high-level professionals and already enjoy upscale housing in Shenzhen. Most of them are from high-tech companies in the city, including Tecent, Huawei and TCL.

Ma Huateng, CEO of the famous Chinese internet company Tecent, will receive a monthly allowance of 3100 yuan (US$ 465). Ma is reported to have assets of 29.3 billion yuan (US$ 4 billion) and is ranked NO.2 on the latest Hurun Rich List.

Besides the executives, some civil servants in Shenzhen are also listed for allowances, according to the report.

Until now, Shenzhen has distributed housing allowances of 32 million yuan (US$4.8 million) to 296 high-level professionals.

People are voicing their disapproval on this issue, claiming that the move will further widen the wealth gap in the country.

The Shenzhen government said that distributing housing allowances is a policy to attract talent, and promised to give a proper explanation in the near future.

Other cities in the country, such as Fuzhou and Xiamen, also have similar talent introduction policies, the report said.

(CRIENGLISH.com October 29, 2010)