China to strengthen supervision of officials' assets reports

China has ordered strict enforcement of a regulation that requires officials to report their assets and their family members' earnings.

The Organization Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee said in a circular issued recently that authorities will enhance supervision to ensure officials' assets reports are accurate.

A revised regulation issued in 2010 requires officials to report their marriage status, property, and their children's and spouses' earnings, overseas business dealings and other investment activities.

But some corrupt officials have circumvented the regulation by transferring their illegal gains overseas, or to their spouses or children to avoid punishment.

According to the regulation, officials who fail to report their assets will not be promoted. They may also face punishments ranging from reprimand to dismissal.

Authorities will launch random checks on the authenticity and integrity of the reports, according to the circular.