China bans extravagance to public officials

China`s central authorities have published a regulation that explicitly ruled out dishes containing sharks’ fin, bird nests in official reception dinners and staying at a suite room. The official Xinhua news agency said on Monday that the general offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council jointly issued a new regulation for government officials, which is strict and specific. It left little room for maneuvering by defining every single detail on activities such as eating, drinking, sleeping, and moving. Administrative districts which are larger than counties must disclose the details of their expenses, and where receptions take place and what are served in the receptions every year.

The regulation consists of 27 articles and bans 38 items. If less than 10 people are invited at a reception, the number of hosts cannot exceed three. If more than 10 people are invited, the number of hosts cannot exceed one third of those who are invited at the reception. It bans the serving of sharks’ fin and dishes based on rare wild animals, and high-end cigarettes and liquors. Receptions cannot be held in upscale places like private clubs.

The use of hotel rooms is restricted. Senior officials above provincial level can be offered with a hotel suite. The use of government vehicles in receptions should also be kept within a reasonable level and escort vehicles are not allowed. Of course, it bans police car from escorting officials and clear their way through a traffic jam. Police can escort officials on a limited basis, if necessary.

It is also prohibited to arrange a welcome or farewell event at airports, train stations, bus terminals, and quays and in border regions. It banned placards or mobilizing people as well as a red carpet in case of an event. In addition, it bans officials from taking cash, marketable securities, souvenirs or local products as gifts.

Lin Jiabin, an analyst with the social development division of the Development Research Center of the State Council, said the new regulation is expected to put a halt to the lavishing on official reception banquets as the rules are very detailed and practical.