Watchdog to zero in on top civil servants

China's top anti-graft agency will set up eight new permanent offices in central government entities this year in an effort to overhaul and strengthen supervision.

The Central Commission of Discipline Inspection, the country's top watchdog, has opened offices in 59 central government entities since 2004. It will set up offices in more than 140 organs that are under the direct leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the central government.

Setting up supervisory offices inside some of the highest Party and government bodies will enable graft-busters to focus on senior officials. Access to bank accounts and family finances is essential, said Chen Wenqing, deputy head of the watchdog.