Govt issues tough accountability code for officials

Auditors nationwide will keep a close eye on officials in three key areas of accountability: government debt, natural resources and implementation of the central government's frugality campaign.

Government officials will be held accountable for decisions that result in grave economic losses, massive spending of State assets, serious damage to the environment and serious harm to public interests, according to a guideline released on Sunday evening.

The guideline, jointly drafted by seven commissions and departments, including the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection - China's top anti-graft watchdog - will hold officials from all public sectors, including Party and government agencies, State-owned enterprises, and public institutes, responsible. Judicial authorities, including judges and prosecutors, will also be audited, according to the guideline.