China is intensifying its fight against corruption, implementing strict measures to improve government conduct and promote integrity across all levels.
The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, with President Xi Jinping at its core, has introduced the Eight-Point Decision on Improving Party and Government Conduct. This significant policy is a strategic move to advance full and rigorous self-governance within the Party.
Recently, shortly after the conclusion of China’s “Two Sessions,” the CPC Central Committee announced a new Party-wide campaign focused on studying and fully carrying out the Eight-Point Decision. This demonstrates the leadership’s clear determination to make the Eight-Point Decision a long-term, high-standard norm for Party behavior.
The approach is top-down, starting from senior officials and cascading throughout the ranks. The goal is to confront and correct long-standing problems in official conduct head-on, with no tolerance for merely going through the motions or indulging in lavish lifestyles.
The Eight-Point Decision has become an “iron rule” and a “hard line”—non-negotiable standards for behavior and durable institutional safeguards. It serves as the Party’s “golden name card” in promoting integrity and accountability.
An example of the strict enforcement is the case of Gan Rongkun, a former member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee. Between 2013 and 2021, he accepted gifts and cash totaling over 2 million yuan from private business owners and was involved in other serious violations. As a result, he was expelled from the Party and removed from his public post, with his case handed over for legal review.
The full implementation of the Eight-Point Decision has curbed the misuse of public funds for extravagant purposes, targeting behaviors like hosting receptions that exceed official standards, disguising leisure trips as official events, and unauthorized use of government vehicles and facilities.
By tackling both misconduct and corruption, the CPC is working to transform Party conduct and government behavior, creating a strong deterrent effect. Officials are urged to examine themselves against Party discipline and the expectations of the people, facing shortcomings head-on and finding clear directions for improvement.
The enforcement of the Eight-Point Decision is becoming a part of everyday political life, turning short-term campaigns into long-term norms. Leading officials are expected to lead by example, serving the people and delivering real results.
Through a comprehensive toolkit of oversight and accountability mechanisms, the Party identifies and addresses issues where implementation falls short. Problems are investigated and corrected promptly, with cases of misconduct used as cautionary examples to strengthen awareness and discipline.
As the Eight-Point Decision is more thoroughly enforced, Party discipline is becoming a true “live wire”—touch it, and consequences follow. This process is helping to rally the collective strength of the entire nation, uniting society behind the mission of building a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.
