Corruption clearing disinfects governance system

The third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection that concluded in Beijing on Monday sent the clear signal that relentless efforts will be made to put power within institutional cages.

Despite the remarkable progress the Party has made in its fight against corruption since 2012, the situation remains grave and complex in the tough and protracted battle against corruption, as indicated by the series of graft cases the central discipline watchdog has recently released.

The anti-corruption campaign is an important endeavor by the Party to unswervingly advance its self-reform and practice rigorous self-governance. That entails coordinated actions to ensure that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity or desire to become corrupt, as well as strict and long-term measures to prevent and curb corruption.

Combating corruption in the form of collusion between officials and businesspeople has been set as a clear priority, and more efforts are to be made to prevent various interest and power groups from infiltrating the political arena.

Also, more concrete measures will be taken to rectify corruption in State-owned enterprises, especially in the finance, energy, medicine and infrastructure sectors.

Notably, the meeting emphasized the necessity to tackle and punish acts of bribery, and efforts to retrieve and address the illicit interests gained by those who give bribes. To that end, constant and rigorous efforts are to be made to purify the political ecosystem and rectify misconduct in the selection and appointment of officials.

At the same time, leading officials are expected to establish good discipline and the right values among their relatives.

In order to advance the anti-corruption campaign, it is essential that continuous efforts are to be made to eliminate the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption.