Experts optimistic about anti-corruption cause

Chinese experts on clean governance have expressed their optimism about the country's anti-graft drive after a top disciplinary official stressed the responsibilities of Communist Party of China (CPC) organizations in the fight against corruption.

Wang Qishan, secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), said while meeting with leading officials of central Party and government organs, centrally-administered enterprises and state-owned financial institutions recently that Party committees at all levels should take the lead in improving work style, building a clean government and fighting corruption.

Failing to improve the Party's work style and build a clean government will be regarded as dereliction of duty, and those who fall short of shouldering their responsibilities and carrying out adequate oversight will be held accountable, he said.

Experts believe Wang's remarks have detailed clearer requirements for Party committees and leading officials of such institutions in regard of their anti-graft commitment.

As central Party and governmental departments are at the center of China's governance, decisions of their officials may carry weight in the country's major political and economic policies, said Huang Weiting, a research fellow with "Seeking Truth", the official magazine of the CPC Central Committee.

However, they are also subject to greater corruption risks, and their corruption could have a greater impact on society, Huang said, taking the cases of Liu Tienan, former deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, and Liu Zhijun, former minister of railways, as examples.

As for state-owned enterprises (SOEs), whose major obligation is to manage state-owned assets, they shoulder political and social responsibilities, the experts say.

Wang said centrally-administered enterprises and state-owned financial institutions are the backbone of the country's socialist market economy with Chinese characteristics.

Corruption problems with such institutions not only bring about losses of assets and negative public opinion, but may also disturb market order and hinder the development of industry and the economy, said Zhang Chunxiao, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Governance.

Last month, the CCDI announced that Song Lin, then chairman of state-owned enterprise China Resources, is under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.

Song's case has not only undermined the company's image and business, but also harmed the interests and the image of the country, said Xie Chuntao, a professor with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

During speeches over the past week, Wang has urged CPC Central Committee and central government organs to strengthen Party building, and carry out their responsibilities in a practical manner, with special attention focused on conduct, discipline and the fight against corruption.

In addition to strict self-discipline, Zhang said leading officials of SOEs should also work to build a platform that ensures the healthy operation of enterprises.

Anti-graft measures and ethics within enterprises will not hold back their development, but create a better environment for more efficient growth, Zhang said.