Corruption Commission

The top discipline inspection official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Friday called on the Party to intensify the fight against corruption as "the task was arduous and the situation was serious".

He Guoqiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, told a think-tank meeting, "Corruption cannot be rooted out in a short time."

He, also secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), said China would stay in the preliminary stage of socialism in the long term when there were both favorable conditions and harmful factors in the fight against corruption.

I'm not certain about the translation of that last paragraph. I guess he means that while corruption is widespread, society will not progress to the next level.

Irregardless (as my friend's ex-boss would say), the Commission does have its work cut out for it. For decades, a public officials compensation came predominantly from corruption and theft. Those now reaching levels of power and authority that benefit from corruption must be in a difficult position. They've devoted their lives to public service with the understanding that it would one day pay off. Thoughts of "I can't possibly be expected to live on this salary" must be the discussion of the moment.

I don't know whether the Commission was formed to give lip service to cleaning up corruption with the added benefit of allowing Commission members to clear out Hu's political enemies. Some Chinese believe that to be the case. Perhaps something is better than nothing.