Winning the people's long-term trust

The investigation into Zhou Yongkang, one of the most senior officials in China to come under scrutiny in modern times, shows the world that the leadership headed by President Xi Jinping is determined to rid the Party and government at all levels of corrupt officials.

Coming fast on the heels of the announcement a month ago of the expulsion of Xu Caihou, a retired top military officer, from the Party, the timing of the announcement of the investigation against Zhou is no coincidence. It provides a powerful example at the same time as it was revealed that the Party will focus on the rule of law in the October Fourth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee.

It indicates that the rule of law and the upholding of the law will be the basis of the anti-corruption campaign. Recently it was noted the many officials have also been disciplined for poor moral behaviour, including adultery. This takes the high standards to levels beyond those deemed acceptable in many Western countries, where political leaders having affairs can add to their attractiveness in the eyes of some voters and government officials' private lives are considered separate from their work.