Leadership goes after gang crime

Officials also target 'protection umbrellas' propping up bad guys

China will start a national campaign to combat criminal gangs and organized crime and to wipe out their "protection umbrellas", an effort that will be integrated with the fight against corruption involving low-ranking officials, a notice from the nation's top leaders said on Wednesday.

To implement the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress and written instruction from General Secretary Xi Jinping, the campaign is designed to ensure people's contented life, social stability and long-term peace, said the notice, which was jointly released by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, China's Cabinet.