China is intensifying its anti-corruption efforts, taking significant strides to strengthen self-governance within the Communist Party of China (CPC). Since the 20th National Congress of the CPC in 2022, the country has maintained a strong stance against corruption, reflecting its commitment to upholding integrity and discipline.
In the first half of 2023, China’s disciplinary authorities punished approximately 295,000 individuals, including officials at the provincial or ministerial level, according to statements released by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision. These efforts demonstrate the ongoing momentum of the anti-corruption campaign initiated in previous years.
Discipline inspection and supervisory agencies nationwide received millions of complaints and tip-offs, handling vast amounts of evidence related to wrongdoing. A significant number of disciplinary violation cases were filed for investigation, underscoring the thorough nature of the anti-corruption measures.
Strengthening Party Conduct
Introduced by the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, the Party’s eight-point decision on improving work conduct aims to rectify undesirable practices such as formalism, bureaucratism, hedonism, and extravagance. Since its adoption in December 2012, substantial efforts have been made to improve the work style of Party and government officials.
In 2023, thousands of cases violating the eight-point decision were investigated. According to the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision, numerous individuals involved in these cases were reprimanded, educated, or punished. These actions reflect the Party’s dedication to enforcing strict discipline among officials.
To effectively uphold discipline, the CPC has established comprehensive mechanisms that include goal-setting, results evaluation, and continuous education. The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee holds annual meetings for criticism and self-criticism to review the implementation of the eight-point code. Additionally, the Party regularly launches educational campaigns to inform members about the importance of improving conduct.
Targeted Efforts in Key Sectors
China has intensified anti-corruption efforts in key sectors essential to its high-quality economic and social development. The country is ramping up its fight against corruption in finance, state-owned enterprises, energy, medicine, and infrastructure construction—sectors where power is concentrated, capital is abundant, and resources are rich.
In recent years, several high-ranking officials in these sectors have been investigated for suspected severe violations of Party discipline and laws. These actions signify a commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels and ensuring transparency and accountability within critical industries.
Enhancing Mechanisms for Self-Governance
Since the 18th CPC National Congress, a series of regulations on Party discipline have been issued, including the Code of Conduct for Intra-party Political Life under New Circumstances and the Regulations on Internal Oversight. In March 2018, the Supervision Law was adopted at the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress, establishing a network of supervisory commissions at national, provincial, prefectural, and county levels. This reform of the national supervision system marks a milestone in the Party’s anti-corruption campaign.
In recent revisions to the Regulations on CPC Disciplinary Action, the CPC Central Committee has emphasized addressing specific challenges faced by a large party and improving systems for exercising full and rigorous self-governance. The revisions focus on a more targeted approach to disciplinary actions, specifically addressing arbitrary decision-making, rigid enforcement, and the imposition of undue burdens in grassroots work.
Advancing International Anti-Corruption Cooperation
International fugitive repatriation and asset recovery represent a new front in China’s fight against corruption. Since April 2015, China has launched the “Sky Net” campaign, aimed at tracking down fugitives involved in graft, preventing corrupt officials from fleeing abroad, and recovering illicit gains. In 2022, China repatriated numerous fugitives, including Party members and government officials, recovering significant amounts of embezzled funds in the process.
In March 2023, the operation of “Sky Net” for the year was launched, further advancing an integrated mechanism for pursuing fugitives, preventing escape, and retrieving stolen assets comprehensively.
China actively participates in and contributes to global anti-corruption efforts. It has been involved in building an anti-corruption partnership network and has played a vital role in developing the international anti-corruption governance system. Notable achievements include the adoption of the Beijing Declaration on Fighting Corruption at the APEC meetings in 2014 and the G20 High-Level Principles on Cooperation on Persons Sought for Corruption and Asset Recovery at the G20 Hangzhou Summit in 2016.
Through persistent efforts both domestically and internationally, China continues to reinforce its commitment to combating corruption, enhancing Party self-governance, and promoting integrity across all sectors of society.
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China steps up anti-corruption, intensifies Party self-governance
cgtn.com
