Clipping the wings of power

Detailed rules stipulating how much Party and government officials can spend on accommodation and transport during business trips were published on Monday as part of the central leadership's efforts to build the cage to lock up power, that is, to make it difficult for those in power to abuse it for personal gains.

The rules say bureau-level officials can only fly economy class and stay in standard hotel rooms during business trips. All officials on business trips should have meals out of their own pocket. They also have to pay the extra amount if they spend more than their allowance and reimburse the cost of the transport and dinner provided by the host working unit. Besides, they are required to pay the bills for accommodation and transport through special public business cards so that they can be checked by financial watchdogs.

Such rules are necessary and will make it very difficult for officials to squander public money. The absence of strict rules prompted some officials until recently to visit scenic spots using public money while attending a meeting or seminar. They also used to waste public money on lavish banquets and gifts to entertain guests.

With more specific rules describing what officials cannot do and their stricter implementation, the day is not far when power will indeed be locked up in the cage of rules, making it extremely difficult for officials to splurge at public expense. This will not only fundamentally transform the way officials view their jobs and perform their duties, but also benefit ordinary people and society at large.

The sharp drop in business of luxurious restaurants and hotels will squeeze out the bubbles from the hospitality industry, which had long been supported by public funds.

Since bureaucratic corruption can no longer help many sectors earn exorbitant profits, a fairer environment for market competition will be created. And consumers will hopefully be able to afford many of the things they couldn't earlier because their prices are expected to come down.

The developments over the past more than a year since the new leadership took office have made us believe that a virtuous cycle, comprising a cleaner government, healthier economic development and social progress, is taking shape.