Watchdog: Sales of paintings, calligraphy cover up bribery

President Xi Jinping told government officials to quit positions in art groups, including calligraphy and painting associations, according to the website of People's Daily.

Retired officials are also prohibited from holding positions in the associations, the website said.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection expressed concerns on Wednesday over government officials moonlighting in social organizations and called for a crackdown on "refined bribes", in which calligraphy and painting serve as a conduit for corruption.