Wei Jianxing, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), made the announcement at the Fifth Plenary Session of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC, which started Monday.

Wei, also secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said China will further regulate the official practice of the leading government officials who are members of the CPC from next year.

The move is part of the efforts by China to build a clean government.

Wei also warned leading officials at all levels not to accept cash, securities from individuals or units under their direct or indirect management, customers of the service they provide, or from overseas businessmen and private business owners.

Those who violates the regulations will be subject to punishment in accordance with the discipline of the party and laws, said Wei.

Wei said leading officials should not accept any awards or financial support for becoming involved in activities from units or individuals with whom they have business contacts.

Leading officials should not accept financial sponsorship or invitation for overseas visits from domestic or overseas enterprises, said Wei.

He said efforts will be made to regulate the official practice after they leave their positions or retire, and the regulations concerning practices of spouses, children of leading officials at provincial, prefecture and department levels will be extended to leading officials at county levels.

Wei said China will continue to crack down hard on major cases involving violations of party disciplines, laws, and corruption in the coming year.

(People's Daily 12/26/2000)