Tofu-Dreg Building
The Rise of "Tofu-Dreg Buildings": A Looming Threat Beyond China's Borders
"When profits are prioritized over safety, buildings become ticking time bombs."
Introduction: What Is a "Tofu-Dreg Building"?
In the shadow of economic growth and rapid urbanization, China has seen an unsettling phenomenon emerge—structures colloquially dubbed "Tofu-Dreg Buildings" (豆腐渣工程 or "doufuzha gongcheng"). Coined by former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji in the late 1990s, the term refers to poorly constructed buildings made with substandard materials and rushed techniques, akin to the fragility of tofu dregs—crumbling easily under pressure.
The consequences of such shoddy construction are often catastrophic, not just within China’s borders but increasingly in countries where Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have secured lucrative contracts. With projects funded under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) sprawling across Asia, Africa, and beyond, the specter of "Tofu-Dreg Buildings" now haunts nations that rely on Chinese investments for infrastructure development.
Tofu-Dreg Buildings in China: A History of Tragedies
The notion of cutting corners in construction is not unique to China, but the scale and frequency of incidents linked to "Tofu-Dreg Buildings" are alarming. Here are some infamous cases that serve as grim reminders of what happens when safety takes a backseat to profit:
- 2008 Sichuan Earthquake – The Death of Thousands When the 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck Sichuan Province in May 2008, over 69,000 lives were lost, including more than 5,000 schoolchildren buried beneath collapsed school buildings. Investigations revealed that these so-called “tofu-dreg” schoolhouses were built with low-grade concrete and inadequate steel reinforcement. The tragedy was a direct consequence of corruption, negligence, and a systemic disregard for building codes.
- Shenzhen’s Swaying Skyscraper – A Wake-Up Call in 2021 In May 2021, the 291-meter-tall SEG Plaza in Shenzhen inexplicably began to sway, triggering panic among occupants and passersby. The cause? Structural deficiencies and the use of subpar materials—classic symptoms of "tofu-dreg" practices. The incident highlighted a disturbing reality: even modern megastructures in China aren’t immune to such flaws.
- Changsha Residential Building Collapse – 2022 In 2022, an illegally modified residential building in Changsha collapsed, killing 53 people. Unapproved renovations and use of substandard materials turned the structure into a death trap. This tragedy underscored the dangers of unscrupulous developers skirting regulations to maximize profits.
The Rise of "Chinesium Steel" and Substandard Materials
Beyond the "tofu-dreg" mindset, the construction industry faces a broader problem: Chinesium Steel—a derogatory term coined to describe low-quality steel exported from China. While not all Chinese steel is inferior, a significant portion of cheap exports has been criticized for inconsistent quality, brittleness, and failure to meet international standards.
These inferior materials are often found in construction projects in developing nations enticed by low costs and promises of fast-track construction. However, the dangers are apparent:
- Brittle Failures: Chinesium steel is notorious for poor tensile strength and ductility, making it prone to cracking or snapping under stress.
- Inconsistent Quality: Lack of proper quality control leads to uneven chemical compositions, compromising structural integrity.
- Environmental Hazards: The production process often neglects environmental and safety regulations, resulting in steel prone to corrosion.
A Crisis Exported: "Tofu-Dreg Buildings" Abroad
Chinese construction companies, particularly state-owned enterprises like China Railway Group, China State Construction Engineering Corporation, and others, have been awarded contracts in countries desperate for infrastructure development. The allure of quick, affordable construction often comes at the cost of safety and long-term stability.
Thailand’s Wake-Up Call: A Taste of "Tofu-Dreg" Culture
The recent collapse of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) building in Thailand during construction has cast a harsh spotlight on Chinese construction practices. The contractor, China Railway Number 10, a state-owned giant, is accused of cutting corners, using inferior materials, and skimping on safety protocols. This incident is a stark warning that Thailand may be facing the same fate as China’s "tofu-dreg" tragedies.
The BRI Trap: Infrastructure or Infrastructure Debt?
Across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, BRI-funded projects have been plagued by allegations of corruption, negligence, and poor-quality construction. Projects like railways in Kenya, hydropower plants in Laos, and expressways in Pakistan often rely on imported Chinese materials and labor, limiting local oversight. The result? High-maintenance projects with safety concerns and ballooning debts.
The Underlying Causes: Why Do "Tofu-Dreg Buildings" Exist?
The existence of "tofu-dreg" buildings is a symptom of deeper systemic issues:
- Profit-Driven Mentality: A focus on cost-cutting and maximizing profits often leads to neglect of safety standards.
- Corruption and Cronyism: Bribes and backroom deals allow subpar projects to pass inspections.
- Lack of Skilled Labor: Unqualified workers with minimal training compromise structural integrity.
- Regulatory Weaknesses: Ineffective oversight and lax enforcement allow unscrupulous practices to thrive.
- Short-Term Thinking: The priority is often rapid construction for quick returns rather than durability.
What Can Be Done?
The solution to the "tofu-dreg" epidemic requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Strengthening Regulations and Enforcement: Countries must enforce stringent quality standards and hold violators accountable.
- Transparency and Accountability: Anti-corruption measures and public oversight can deter unethical practices.
- Independent Audits: Third-party inspections ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Use of Certified Materials: Mandating certified materials can prevent the use of inferior alternatives.
- Local Workforce Development: Investing in skilled local labor reduces reliance on imported workers.
Conclusion: A Time Bomb Waiting to Go Off?
The legacy of “tofu-dreg buildings” is a sobering reminder that cheap and fast can often mean dangerous and deadly. As Chinese construction giants continue to expand their footprint globally, recipient nations must be vigilant. Without strict oversight, the seeds of disaster are sown, and it’s only a matter of time before more tragedies strike—echoing the devastating losses of Sichuan, Shenzhen, and Changsha.
Ultimately, we must question whether rapid development is worth the risk of collapsing structures and crumbling lives. After all, a nation built on “tofu-dregs” is a nation built to fall.
