China to probe corruption in the military

Beijing, Jan 16: The Chinese government will keep a closer eyeon the activities of military personnel as part of a crackdown oncorruption, according to a new edict reported in state media today.

The regulations will give officials from auditing departments, whooften lead anti-corruption probes, the power to ''audit militaryofficials thoroughly, in a standard way, and efficiently'', thePeople's Liberation Army Daily said.

The new law, which would ''enrich and standardise every procedureof the auditing work'', will take effect on March 1, the newspaper said.

It gave no details.

The decree was signed by Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is also commander-in-chief, the newspaper said.

China is in the midst of a crackdown on official corruption, whichthe government says is so widespread it could threaten the party'ssurvival.

In recent years, China's military has spent billions of dollarsupgrading and buying new equipment. Some procurement has also beenopened to commercial tender.

Last month Hong Kong media said that a Chinese vice-admiral wasgiven a life sentence for embezzlement. Sources have said he wasaccused of accepting bribes from contractors in exchange for buildingprojects.

Reuters >