Anti-graft drive rises as festival closes in

As the Spring Festival holiday approaches, local disciplinary authorities are stepping up their anti-corruption efforts.

Chinese traditionally give red envelopes, known as hongbao, to friends and relatives, especially to children, during Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, as a symbol of good luck and happiness. However, the tradition had been misappropriated by corrupt officials who use it as an opportunity to flatter their bosses.

This year's Spring Festival falls on Saturday, and the weeklong holiday is usually a peak period for banquets involving the exchange of gifts. It was once common for officials to fund such occasions using public funds.