Sep 26, 2014
The Chinese president, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission, seemed unhappy with the military’s disciplinary inspectors.
BEIJING: Chinese president Xi Jinping has ordered officers of the People's Liberation Army to hand over houses or cars they are using in violation of regulations. This is being seen as a prelude to crackdown on the uniformed forces by sleuths of the hugely powerful anti-corruption wing of the Communist Party.
This is the second time Xi has publicly expressed his unhappiness over the ways of the PLA since his return from a visit to India, marred by Chinese troop intrusion into the Indian side. He had earlier scolded officials for low level of coordination and efficiency at a time when the country must aim to win "regional wars in the age of information technology".
Some observers said Xi is upset about the timing of the intrusion because it conflicted with his show of friendship in Ahmedabad and New Delhi. There's a possibility the anti-corruption sleuths are preparing ground for a major crackdown against a section of military officers, observers said.
More than the monetary aspect, it's the prestige of the PLA in the public eye which is taking a hit by the government's decision to go public on its anti-graft campaign, observers said. Though ostensibly meant to investigate use of official property, the goal is to unearth illegal incomes and private investments by corrupt military officials, sources said.
PLA Daily, the military's official organ, said authorities were "warning officers that the anti-graft campaign would not cease until all corruption was rooted out and eliminated".
It said a "leading group responsible for tackling graft and misconduct" has exposed a number of irregular practices of military officers occupying or using PLA-owned houses and vehicles. There is evidence of over-employment of civilians in military units indicating large-scale corruption in appointments and recruitment of relatives, sources said.
The Chinese president, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission, seemed unhappy with the military's disciplinary inspectors, who have been asked to "strictly and aggressively" enforce regulations and discipline in retrieving irregularly occupied houses and irregularly held cars.
Even benefits given to retired senior officers or family members of deceased senior officers will be re-checked and that excessive favours will be taken away.
Officers found to be hiding extra housing or official cars, or who decline to return them before the given time, will be seriously disciplined, the paper said.
No comments:
Post a Comment