Eight-point regulation has changed China's anti-corruption landscape

Corruption is a shared enemy of humanity, because no matter where it happens, the essence of corruption is the same: the abuse of public power for private, unjust gain. It undermines fairness and erodes trust, rewarding rule-breakers while penalizing those who play by the rules. That is why, societies across the world keep asking the same question: How can power be effectively restrained?

One of China's answers was this document released in December 2012: the "Eight-Point Regulation of the CPC". The 600-plus characters started a profound political transformation in China. The eight points cover areas such as improving investigation and research, streamlining meetings and improving meeting conduct, streamlining documents and briefings and improving writing style, regulating official overseas visits, improving security arrangements and news coverage, and strictly regulating the publication of written materials. Ultimately, all of these measures are aimed at improving work style and maintaining close ties with the masses.

In 2017 and 2022, the first meetings of the 19th and 20th CPC Central Committee Political Bureau listed the review of the implementing rules for the Eight-Point Regulation as an important agenda. The standards for conduct that the rules set are defined with very fine granularity. Two examples: during inspection and research visits to local areas, Politburo members must not be given banquets or served high-end dishes. If you are interested in looking through these rules, you will find many more interesting details. But in short, the essential spirit of the Eight-Point Regulation lies in this: practice thrift and frugality, oppose extravagance, waste, and decadent behavior, uphold clean governance with integrity, and promote a pragmatic and down-to-earth work style. These rules were initially requirements for Politburo members themselves. Later, CPC central committee, central government departments and localities across the country, following the spirit of the Eight-Point Regulation, formulated more specific implementation measures tailored to their circumstances. These measures further specify standards for official travel and meal expenses, vehicle use, ban on the acceptance of gifts or cash, housing standards for leaders and cadres, and restrictions on high-cost entertainment and fitness activities, among others.

Conduct is the breeding ground of corruption, and the earliest warning sign of unchecked power. Many major corruption cases often begin with these overlooked seemingly "minor matters".

The Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection is being held from Jan 12 to 14. Addressing misconduct and corruption through integrated investigation and governance reflects a deep understanding of the recurring patterns revealed in strengthening conduct and enforcing discipline, and is also an important strategy of the CPC for further fighting against corruption in the new era. To improve and advance in an integrated way the long-term mechanism of ensuring that officials do not dare to be, cannot be, and do not want to be corrupt, China is always on the move.