Time line

Major rules issued to civil servants by the Party

2012

Dec 4: The Party issues an eight-point notice. It requires officials to slash red tape and practise thrift in a bid to better connect with the public and eradicate extravagance.

2013.

July 23: The Party and the central government announce a five-year ban on the construction of new government buildings and expensive structures, such as training centers and hotels.

Sept 3: Officials are instructed not to spend public funds on lavish banquets or gifts during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday.

Oct 31: The use of public funds to buy calendars, postcards and New Year cards is banned.

Nov 21: Officials are prohibited from exchanging gifts, such as fireworks, bought with public funds during the New Year and Spring Festival holidays.

Dec 8: A series of guidelines on official receptions are released to close loopholes that foster extravagance and corruption. Business trips dressed up as "study and exchange experiences", repeated inspection tours to the same destinations without adequate reasons, and the hosting of official events at tourist attractions are banned.

Dec 27: The Party and the central government issue a circular reaffirming the thrift policy during the holiday season. Officials are banned from using public vehicles for private trips, taking part in high-end recreational activities or using official receptions to host family or friends during the holidays.

Dec 29: Officials are ordered not to smoke in public places.

2014:

Jan 3: The Ministry of Finance caps the daily training expenses provided by central government departments at 450 yuan ($73.50) per person. No travel, banquets, wines or cigarettes are allowed during the training period.

China Daily

(China Daily Africa Weekly 03/14/2014 page8)