Military newspaper vows no sanctuary for corruption

The PLA Daily, flagship newspaper of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), vowed there will be no privilege or sanctuary of impunity for anyone in the country's battle against corruption.

A commentary in the Wednesday edition of the newspaper under the byline of Wu Zhenghua rejected myths regarding the country's anti-corruption drive, such as concerns that continuing the campaign may destabilize people's morale and public trust, as well as doubts about whether the campaign will continue.

"The battle against corruption has entered a crucial tug-of-war stage," the article said, adding that the anti-graft campaign is in line with the people's expectations and that, as the campaign deepens, the Communist Party of China (CPC) and political environment in China will become even healthier.

"Thorough anti-corruption efforts will only boost the morale among the Party, the military and the public, not undermine it," it said.

The article also noted that the situation facing the anti-decadence movement is still grave and complicated and will inevitably meet some kind of resistance.

"However, there will be no special area or sanctuary in the battle."

"The anti-corruption campaign has already touched senior 'tigers' like Zhou Yongkang and Xu Caihou, and who will be left untouchable?" it said.

Moreover, it stressed that combatting corruption in the military is meant not only to punish a handful of corrupt officials but to ensure the fighting capacity and uncorroded nature of the country's army.

It also blamed corruption as a hindrance holding back the country's national defense and military reforms.

"As the army holds the country's military power, and as it is a cornerstone of the Party's rule, there must be no shelter for any corruption in it," the article read.

"Flinching or failure will never be an option in the anti-corruption battle," the article stated.