BEIJING - An online survey of more than 10,000 people indicated that more than half of the respondents are in favor of criminalizing corruption in relation to official government receptions.

The results of the online poll, conducted by the China Youth Daily, were published Tuesday, with 85.5 percent of respondents describing government receptions as "problematic."

Chinese government receptions are often expensive affairs, with officials spending large amounts of money to lavish their guests with high-end fare.

In a multiple-choice question regarding opinions on possible regulations on government receptions, 64.6 percent asked for public disclosure of detailed reception bills, while 61.3 percent said they think government agencies and officials who are found to be violating relevant laws should be held responsible.

About 57 percent suggested criminalizing corrupt behavior at public receptions.

The online poll echoed Premier Wen Jiabao's call for cracking down on corruption in the public sector on Monday.

Wen said public money cannot be used to buy cigarettes, high-end liquor and gifts, adding that government expenditures for receptions, vehicle purchases and overseas trips should be open to public scrutiny.

Several measures have been enacted to combat government waste in recent years, including a requirement for ministries to disclose their expenditures on overseas trips, vehicles purchases and receptions that was passed last year.