#China #Beijing #Anti-Corruption #Communist Party

China's Unyielding Anti-Corruption Campaign

In a recent meeting, the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) evaluated its disciplinary inspection work and prioritized objectives for 2026. This reaffirms the relentless nature of China's fight against corruption, indicating that it will neither cease nor retreat.

President Xi Jinping, who also serves as the General Secretary of the CPC, presided over the meeting. Throughout the year, during crucial gatherings and inspections, Xi has consistently underscored the importance of enhancing the party’s work style, solidifying clean governance, and the endless pursuit of combating corruption. He believes that the effort to improve internal control within the CPC is key to ensuring economic and social development under the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

Enhanced Internal Controls

The meeting reiterated the CPC's unyielding commitment to implementing stringent internal control measures with higher standards and more effective actions. This foundational framework of Xi's thinking stresses that China’s success relies heavily on the party's adherence to strict internal discipline across all facets.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around consolidating the execution of the “Eight-Point Decision” implemented in December 2012, aimed at enhancing the conduct of government officials and combating chronic bureaucratic malpractices. This decision set clear guidelines addressing issues such as official privileges and lavish banquets, establishing precise rules for official travels, meetings, and documentation. The focus here is to standardize and institutionalize official behavior at all levels of the party.

A Distinct Approach to Governance

John Ross, a senior researcher at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, noted that the Chinese regulatory framework starkly contrasts with Western governance models. The meticulous nature of the rules, which range from serious issues down to detailed aspects like official lunches and travel, showcases a fundamentally different approach to fighting corruption.

Leading by Example

Xi Jinping sets a practical example through his own conduct. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, he has consistently avoided special arrangements during over 100 domestic inspection visits. Instead, he opts to adhere to local customs and minimize disturbances in the lives of local residents. For instance, shortly after the promulgation of the “Eight-Point Decision,” Xi visited Guangdong Province, declining an invitation to stay in a presidential suite in favor of a standard hotel room, choosing simple refreshments and finishing his meal in under 20 minutes.

A People-Centric Anti-Corruption Drive

Xi emphasizes that when ordinary citizens evaluate the party's performance, they do not focus on the number of meetings, speeches, or documents issued, but rather on the problems that have been effectively solved. For him, the anti-corruption campaign is a fundamental guarantee that the power entrusted to the party will be wielded for the benefit of the people.

During the recent session, there was a strong call to continue efforts against unethical practices and corruption directly affecting people's lives, with the aim of achieving tangible results that the public can feel.

Excitingly, various regions are seeing practical successes arising from these anti-corruption measures. In Heilongjiang Province, a data-driven oversight model has exposed abuses of vocational training subsidies. Meanwhile, in Chengdu, southwestern China, enhanced supervision protects food safety and financial management in primary and secondary schools. Nationwide, reforms are improving oversight over elderly care resources and medical assistance, ensuring public funds are directed towards those in greatest need.

In conclusion, as China's commitment to integrity and accountability strengthens, its people's trust in governance is expected to rise, ensuring that this relentless anti-corruption drive does indeed serve its primary purpose: the welfare of the citizens.