Anti Corruption In China

To Hong Tsun

What are the factors shaping the success or failure of the current anti-corruption campaign of the mainland Chinese government under the leadership of President Xi Jinping? Discuss.

Introduction

Since the implementation of the policy “reform and opening” in 1978, corruption has become a major issue. The public’s outrage with the mounting corruption within the party organizations and government institutions is an important reason for explaining why so many people participated in or supported the pro-democracy student demonstration in 1989. The next generation of Chinese leaders had then put a lot of effort on anti-corruption after the Tiananmen Square event. However the situation does not seems to be ease till now. Chinese government

The notion of corruption often varies with place and time, therefore, It is notoriously difficult to define. According to Chinese official terminology, the definition of corruption in today’s China refers to a form of dishonest or unethical use of public authority and resources for private gains including fraud, bribery extortion, nepotism, trafficking, embezzlement, and cronyism’. (He, 2000). In Articles 155 and 185 of the Chinese criminal code, ‘corruption’ and ‘bribery’ are encompassed within the definition of ‘politico-bureaucratic corruption’. ‘ Government, or 'political', corruption occurs when an office-holder or other governmental employee acts in an official capacity for personal gain. Corruption may include many illegal activities including bribery and embezzlement, though it may also involve practices that are legal. When power is abused within the confines of the laws, is called “legal corruption”. Politician often have the ability to make laws to protect

Well, there is a general consensus that this is because of the lack of independent judiciary and the failure of the execution of regulations and laws. It is said that deeper systemic issues need to be addressed or these problems can’t be permanently solved. Some social customs such as exchanging favors, gift-giving and securing patrons for career advancement are the normal part of Chinese people’s life. Although these behaviors may be seen as corrupt through a strict legal perspective, the case would be totally different from a cultural standpoint. It is true that etiquette is very important in daily life as Chinese people believe one never lose anything by politeness, but I think it is necessary to consider if it is suitable to receive or give any benefit. Moreover, many regulation and laws which governing the high level officials are rarely enforced. As a result, the bureaucrat might think that it must be fine if everyone is doing the same thing and won’t get