China's Tiger Hunt Intensifies... Xi Says "Corruption Punishment Must Be Strengthened"

"Maintain a Firm Stance... Reform Must Be Deepened"

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the Party's self-reform to eradicate corruption and emphasized the need to further strengthen laws and systems related to anti-corruption.

In a speech at the 3rd Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party held on the 8th, President Xi stated, "We must maintain a tough stance on punishing corruption and deepen reforms." The Communist Party's official newspaper, the People's Daily, featured this content along with a photo of Xi's speech on its front page on the 9th.

On the 8th, Xi Jinping, President of China, is delivering a speech at the 3rd Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party. (Photo by People's Daily)

He stressed, "It is necessary to further improve anti-corruption laws and systems," adding, "We must strengthen punishments for bribery and continuously purify the ecosystem." Regarding this, the People's Daily elaborated, "Bribery givers should be strictly investigated and punished, and cases should be reported to sound an alarm," and "Confiscation and rectification of illegal gains obtained through bribery must be reinforced."

President Xi also pointed out, "After ten years of relentless anti-corruption efforts, we have achieved an overwhelming victory in the war against corruption, and the results have been consolidated," but noted, "However, the situation remains serious and complex." He continued, "We must clearly understand the new circumstances and trends in eradicating corruption, as well as the soil and conditions that give rise to corruption," and urged, "To achieve a decisive victory in the war against corruption, we must always stand firmly on the path of struggle with perseverance, making precise and sustained efforts."

He also advocated strengthening the Party-centered 'centralized' leadership for eradicating corruption. The People's Daily added, "We will continue to promote anti-corruption legislation, revise it in line with the times, implement newly revised disciplinary and punishment regulations, and conduct centralized education across the entire Party."

China has been emphasizing anti-corruption messages since the beginning of the year, including producing and broadcasting documentaries interviewing individuals punished for bribery and misconduct. According to the Chinese state media Global Times (GT), during the first weekend of the new year, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission jointly aired the anti-corruption documentary "Continuous Efforts and In-depth Promotion" with China Central Television (CCTV).

The four-part documentary selected 12 representative corruption cases and was produced in an interview format with discipline and supervisory officials, experts, and the corrupt individuals themselves. Cases included those involving Li Tie, former head coach of the Chinese national football team; Zhang Fusheng, former deputy director of the Fire and Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Emergency Management; Pan Yifei, former deputy governor of the People's Bank of China; Chen Xuyuan, former president of the Chinese Football Association; Zhang Xiaofei, chief political advisor of Jilin Province; and Wang Dawei, former director of the Public Security Department of Liaoning Province.

Meanwhile, GT reported that from January to September last year, the Chinese discipline inspection and supervisory agencies received 470,000 corruption cases, and 405,000 individuals were punished for illegal acts.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.