Elaborate state-funded banquets
have been banned for China's top
military officials, state media has
reported. The move comes after a diktat from
central government earlier this month
that aimed to curb extravagance and
tackle corruption. Xinhua news agency says receptions for
high-ranking officers will no longer
feature luxury banquets or alcohol. The diktat, passed on 4 December, has
also now sparked similar rules for
civilian officials in Beijing. The Communist Party's Central
Committee, which includes civilian and
military personnel, dictated eight ways
that officials needed to change their
working practices. In line with the diktat, the military has
now ruled out welcome banners, red
carpets, floral arrangements, and
souvenirs. Officials will also no longer be allowed
to stay in luxury hotels during
inspection tours and vehicles will not
be allowed to make excessive use of
sirens. "Military Commission officials are also
required to discipline their spouses,
children and subordinates and make
sure they do not take bribes," the
Xinhua report said. In a separate report, Xinhua said the
Beijing Municipality had become the
first local authority to introduce the
rules for its civilian staff. Beijing officials on business will now
have simple buffets, rather than
banquets. China's new leader Xi Jinping has
repeatedly warned of unrest if
corruption and perceived privilege
within the Communist Party are not
tackled. The country's political leadership has
been rocked by a scandal involving Bo
Xilai, the former Chongqing party leader
once seen as a candidate for top office. His wife has been jailed for murdering a
British businessman and he awaits trial
on charges of corruption and abuse of
power.
Culled from m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-20822813