Comment on "Tariff cut would flood domestic brands" (China Daily website, June 28)

I agree with the opinion expressed in the article. China should not reduce the tariff on imported luxury goods, because the influx of luxury products could undermine social harmony in the country.

It is not poverty but the wealth gap in China that has led to an increase in crime and discontent in the country. The more the rich show off their wealth and the luxury products they can afford, the more frustrated the poor will become. The poor could even see this as blatant discrimination.

Moreover, the authorities should not encourage conspicuous consumption. They should control the import of luxury goods, and impose an additional tax on high-end luxury products. Also, they should take measures to increase the operational costs of foreign luxury goods' enterprises doing business in China.

Only by doing so can they ensure that relations between people of different social and economic groups are not strained further.

Ling Kiong, via e-mail

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