 Forced evictions are forbidden under International Covenant on Economic , Social and Cultural Rights , which China has ratified . Under China 's constitution and other property laws , expropriation of urban land is permitted only if it is for the purpose of supporting the " public interest , " and those being evicted are supposed to receive compensation , resettlement , and protection of one 's living conditions . The " public interest " is not defined , however , and abuses are common in the expropriation process , with many citizens complaining of receiving little or no compensation . 
