Govt spending limits critical against corruption

BEIJING -- The Chinese central government has promulgated a new regulation designed to cut costs for the government and public institutions, a move that will prove critical for the country's continuous efforts against corruption.

The regulation made public on Monday explicitly prohibits government agencies from purchasing luxury items, goods or commodities above certain standards, as well as defines a frugal working style for the country's civil servants.

It also calls for greater supervision over the use of public funds for receptions, vehicles and overseas trips, also known as "the three public consumptions", as they have been deemed by the public as a major source of corruption and waste.

The regulation came after intense public debate regarding the administrative costs incurred by central government departments. The departments were required to reveal their spending last year.

Public opinions are now looking at whether the regulation can really work, creating unprecedented pressure for the implementation of the regulation and cost-cutting by the government.

In these circumstances, the supervision department must punish all violators in order to safeguard its credibility, which has been undermined by multiple scandals in previous years.

The full implementation of the regulation can act as a turning point for the country's efforts to build a clean government and encourage the whole country to build a clean China.

Although there is a long way to go in forging an uncorrupted government, its determination and the public's supervision can prompt stricter control of government spending. Now that the first step has been taken, there must be further steps toward this ultimate goal.

In the meantime, the regulation can act as a chance for government officials to exhibit a thrifty lifestyle, as this will serve to improve their public image in the wake of so many corruption-related scandals.

Limits on spending will prove to be a testament to the government's resolution to reform itself, as well as its sincerity in accepting public supervision.