4,417 punished for violating austerity rules in China

By Mahmut Atanur

BEIJING (AA) - More than 4,400 officials have been punished for violating austerity rules in July alone, as a five-year-old campaign by President Xi Jinping continues to crack down on abuses by officials continues.

State News agency Xinhua reported Tuesday that the Communist Party of China's (CPC) top anti-graft body had revealed Monday that 4,417 officials had been punished for violation.

According to the party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection website, the officials were involved in 3,044 cases, among them awarding unauthorized bonuses (the most common misdemeanor), followed by sending or accepting gifts and misuse of public vehicles.

In late 2012, Xi launched a high-profile campaign targeting CPC, government, military and state-owned company officials suspected of corruption.

The campaign -- which includes eight-point rules on austerity to reduce undesirable work practices -- has led to the probe and prosecution of hundreds of officials across the country.