At present, China's nine-year compulsory education is basically free, and tuition, miscellaneous fees and books are all exempted. In the economically developed areas in the east, all the expenses are borne by the eastern provinces and cities, with the central and local governments sharing the expenses at a ratio of five to five, and the western regions sharing the expenses at a ratio of eight to two. Nine-year compulsory education is free in public primary and secondary schools, but private schools charge fees for compulsory education, which is allowed by the state. After all, private schools are not financially supported by the state.