Sharpen 'Sword of Damocles' with targeted inspections

The central leadership launched the third round of top-level disciplinary inspections of the year on Nov 18 in a move to sharpen the "Sword of Damocles" hanging over those in power.

Different from earlier disciplinary campaigns, all inspections in the third round will be carried out with specific targets among 13 State-owned departments, including the Ministry of Culture, China State Shipbuilding Corporation, China Unicom and Sinopec. Lasting about a month, this round of inspections will focus on specific aspects of an organization - from individuals and projects to funds and specific incidents.

The method was first used to probe six State-owned groups earlier this year amid efforts to incorporate new styles of disciplinary inspection and maximize deterrence in the fight against corruption. The procedures of this style of inspection are simpler. As a result, this round is expected to last a month rather than the two months needed for regular inspections.