Are you sure you are not confusing China with Thailand? I think the foreigner can jointly own the flat? You also mainly have leasehold flats in the UK, where the lease term ranges from 80 years to 999 years. Ground rent and maintenance are part of the deal in both countries. You have I am afraid confused my question which was simply, is it cheaper to pay a mortgage in China or rent? The question wasn't concerned with what a foreigner should have or should do.

http://internationalliving.com/countries/china/buying-real-estate-in-china/