Anti-graft blitz upgrades to protracted war(3)

All 31 provincial divisions, six state-owned enterprises and nine central government departments and public institutions are subject to these inspections.

To engage the public, attempts have been made to reduce the mystery surrounding anti-graft work and increase online interaction.

The CCDI website has launched an online tips service, publicized sanctions against corrupt officials, hosted online press conferences, opened forums and organized surveys.

Last month, TV footage on CCTV, the national broadcaster, first revealed how inspectors work in inspection rounds by showing two inspectors talking with Sinopec President Fu Yucheng.

The anti-graft campaign has also expanded overseas to cut off the escape route of corrupt officials.

Operation Fox Hunt, which will end on Dec. 31, has brought about 400 fugitives back to China, many of whom were corrupt officials, and 54 percent of them have turned themselves in.

On Tuesday, the CCDI solicited domestic and international tips about other corrupt officials still at large on foreign soil.

Prof. Ren Jianming, an expert on anti-corruption and governance with the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, told Xinhua that these new initiatives have helped close loopholes in the Party and government systems and contributed to the long-term anti-graft battle.

Zheng Yongnian, a China studies expert with National University of Singapore, said that the anti-corruption drive is more than just netting "tigers and flies," but is also about giving reform opportunities to clean and honest officials.

"Rooting out corrupt officials and pushing forward reform measures are the ultimate purpose of the campaign," said Zheng.

In return, additional reforms will benefit the drive. A comprehensive legal reform plan, adopted at a key CPC session in October, included measures to push the Party, government, and officials to work in line with the law and build a more independent judicial system.

Zhou's case highlights a basic principle of rule of law, which holds that all people are equal before the law, Huang Weiting said.

Local legislatures have attempted to improve anti-corruption legislation. The legislature of Guangdong Province in south China has consulted the public about a draft provincial regulation on corruption prevention.

The bill has drawn nationwide attention because it is the first one to ban "naked officials" -- officials whose spouses and children have all emigrated -- from leading positions and other "important and sensitive" posts. "Naked officials" are considered a high-risk group for corruption and fleeing investigation.

Experts noted that legal reform will help push the anti-corruption drive and improve efficiency and legitimacy.