CPC discipline watchdog vows crackdown on corruption

The discipline watchdog of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has vowed heavier supervision of all its Party members and a crackdown on corruption during the next five years.

In a bid to ensure clean governance, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the CPC warned Party members in a report made public Monday to "keep ringing the alarm bell against corruption" as it is a "prolonged, complicated and arduous" fight.

The CCDI published the full text of its work report, which was submitted to the 18th CPC National Congress and approved by the congress on Nov. 14.

The central and local commissions for discipline inspection should work to "resolve pressing corruption problems that cause strong public complaint," the document said.

The CPC has promised severe punishment to corrupt officials, saying major efforts will be made on cases involving power abuse, bribery, depraved conduct, dereliction of duty, and severe infringement upon the people's economic, political and personal rights and interests, according to the report.

The document advocated supervision and education as powerful weapons against corruption. "Intensifying constraint and supervision of power is key for effective prevention of corruption," it said.

The CCDI will explore and innovate ways to improve supervision on leading cadres, power-concentration departments and funds and resources intensive sectors, the report said.

The CCDI will also try to find ways for disciplinary organs at various levels to effectively supervise leading officials of Party committees.

The commission also stressed the role of supervisory forces outside of the Party, such as people's congresses, political advisory bodies, judicial organs and news organizations.

"Problems reported by news organizations and online opinions should be dealt with in a timely manner," according to the report.

In addition, the CCDI said, "enhancing education and Party officials' capability to guard against corruption and moral degeneration are the key foundation for corruption prevention."

Elsewhere in the report, Party officials, especially high-ranking officials, should better educate and restrain their relatives and staff members working closely with them, allowing no privilege.

The CCDI will strictly implement and improve the system for the officials to report their personal assets and strengthen administration on government personnel who have spouses or children living overseas, according to the document.

Monday's report summed up anti-corruption experience gained in the past five years and made suggestions for activities over the next half decade.