Reuters said the couple turned to in vitro fertilization after years of trying to have children and spent nearly $157,800 (one million yuan) on the procedure, state television reported.

The mother had three of the children herself, and the other five with two surrogates, though the couple had not intended to have so many…

“I don’t understand why such law-breakers can still be left alone. Because they are rich, they can have as many babies as they like? That would create chaos!” wrote “Lingning” on Sina’s Weibo.

“The case shows the worsening wealth gap in China. The rich, with their money in hand, are shattering social equality,” added “A Late 2011.”