Govt organs join fight on bureaucratism

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, took the lead in putting the requirements into practice during a tour to Guangdong Province, the country's economic reform front, from December 7 to 11.

There were no traffic controls or red-carpet arrangements during his visit, moves widely hailed by commentators and Internet users.

The military on December 21 also enacted 10 regulations echoing the CPC leadership's call to reduce bureaucratism.

Issued by the Central Military Commission (CMC), the regulations ban liquor, luxurious banquets, welcome banners, red carpets and floral arrangements at receptions for CMC officers.

Military officials are also required to cut both the number and length of inspection tours, overseas visits, meetings and reports.

According to a Ministry of Public Security circular issued on December 7, police must refrain from arranging road closures in general and "minimize time for traffic controls" for officials' trips.

The moves aim to "avoid inconveniencing the public wherever possible" and guarantee their normal traffic rights, the circular said.

Over the past month, more than 20 provincial governments have introduced measures to curb bureaucracy and formalism.

Xin Ming, an expert on counter-corruption studies with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, said the war on bureaucratism launched by the CPC leadership targets the poor practices in officials' work style that are among the people's "most serious and immediate concerns."

The move is not a simple effort to just cut pointless formalities, but a substantial step for the Party in exercising self-discipline and treating its cadres strictly, as outlined by the 18th CPC National Congress report, according to experts.

Ai Yiwei, a professor with the Party school of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the CPC, said the move carries profound significance in helping the Party to win more public trust and support.