China disciplines 22,600 officials in 2015 frugality campaign

BEIJING - China's top anti-graft body announced on Saturday that some 22,600 officials had been disciplined for breaking austerity rules so far this year, bringing the total to more than 120,000 since late 2012.

The officials, including both high-ranking officials and lowly bureaucrats, were involved in 16,761 cases, according to a statement on the website of the Central Commission for Discipline and Inspection of the Communist Party of China.

Compared to when the "eight point rules" -- which aimed to reduce bureaucracy, extravagance, and undesirable work habits -- were first introduced on Dec 4, 2012, the number of cases have dropped.

In 2014, 71,000 officials were subject to disciplinary action for breaking frugality rules.

Violations, however, continue to occur, with officials still using government vehicles for personal errands, as well as issuing unauthorized subsidies, and holding extravagant receptions, weddings and funerals.