Xi calls for more anti-corruption efforts despite achievements(2)

STRONG REMEDIES NEEDED, RULES TO BE FOLLOWED

Xi Jinping told discipline officials that "strong remedies must be used to cure the illness" of corruption.

He introduced 2015's four-point discipline work requirements, which underscored that corrupt officials must be held accountable for their actions, responsibility for the building of the Party should be strengthened at all levels and the improvement of systems needed to continue.

In addition, efforts to rectify undesirable workstyles should continue and misconduct, Xi said, must be dealt with accordingly.

"Our determination [...] will not change. Our courage to rid our bones of poison will not diminish. We will also continue to hold the sharp sword of countercorruption high," Xi added.

The president stressed that Party discipline system reform must continue alongside enhanced institutional innovation and supervision.

Party rules are an important test of loyalty, he said, thus, discipline should always be given priority.

Xi told Party members to follow the traditions of the Party as well as the constitution, and the authority of the CPC Central Committee must be safeguarded at all times.

Organizational procedures and structure must be observed and members must obey the Party's decisions. Leading cadres, especially senior members, must play an leading role in championing an atmosphere of discipline.

Gao Bo said Xi had repeatedly stressed the importance of rules and discipline because of violations by party cadres in the past.

If the party was a house, the rules are the beams and frames, without the rules, the building is only a castle in the sky, Gao said.

Laws govern a country, while rules and discipline manage officials, according to Ma Huaide, vice president of the China University of Political Science, adding that Party regulations are becoming stricter than laws.