CPC tightens grip on universities

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has reiterated its leadership over the country's universities.

The core leadership of Party committees should be consolidated at universities, according to a statement published by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee on Thursday.

Presidents and other administrative staff should accept and implement decisions made by the Party committees, the statement added.

It quoted an unidentified official as saying that such a power scheme conforms to China's national conditions and requirements for development of higher education.

The statement clarified the division of powers: Party committees are in charge of colleges' reform, stability and ideology while presidents should focus on teaching, scientific research and daily operations of the school.

Secretaries of Party committees and presidents are not allowed to head any scientific research projects to ensure their devotion to administration of universities, the CPC added.