Based on surveys of local officials, patronage, not merit, has become the most critical factor in the appointment process. For those without guanxi, the only recourse is to purchase appointments and promotions through bribes.
根据对地方官员的调查，送礼（而不是积累优点）已经成为官员委任过程中的最关键因素。对那么没有关系的人来说，唯一的办法就是通过贿赂来获得委任或者是升迁。在中国俗语中这种做法被称为“买官”。而官方媒体中则充斥着这类腐败丑闻。