Revised rules to 'sharpen sword' in graft fight

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China recently released revised regulations on Party disciplinary inspections that attached greater importance to supervising Party chiefs at different levels and in different sectors.

An official from the Central Leading Group for Inspection Work said in a statement released on Thursday that the revised regulations "sharpened the sword" to fight corruption.

"They have intensified the efforts to see if the Party chiefs have followed the Party disciplines and executed their power in accordance with the law," the official said. "Also, thorough investigations are required to be carried out if problems are found."

The regulations hold significant importance in promoting the high-quality development of the inspections, further improving the institutions, mechanisms and responsibility system to constantly deter officials from being corrupted, the official added.

A circular issued by the CPC Central Committee on Thursday said the regulations urge efforts to conduct concrete, targeted and regular discipline inspections. They also clarify the leadership system, working mechanism and primary responsibilities of discipline inspection work.

They say responsibilities for the rectification of any issues discovered in the course of inspection work should be clearly defined, and the rectification mechanism should be improved. Furthermore, the results of inspection tours must be put to good use comprehensively so that both the symptoms and root causes of any problems are addressed, the circular said.

"According to the revised regulations, the goal of discipline inspection work is to find problems, form a deterrent effect and push for reforms," the official said.

The official said key points of disciplinary inspections have also been clarified. They mainly include the execution of the Party's guidelines and policies and anti-corruption efforts. The key points will vary in different areas or sectors so that targeted inspections can be carried out.

Party leaderships are required to rectify problems found during disciplinary inspections and must follow through even if there have been personnel changes, the official said, adding that "based on feedback, the revised regulations have extended the time given to rectify issues discovered from two months to six".

The revised regulations also include provisions to strengthen coordination between discipline inspection and other forms of supervision to form a synergy of supervision, the circular said.

It added that while implementing the regulations, all localities and government departments are encouraged to report important information and suggestions to the CPC Central Committee in a timely manner.