Chinese military bans luxury banquets

A new set of Chinese army regulations ban luxury banquets and alcohol at receptions for high-ranking officers.

The prohibitions are primarily focussed on controlling extravagance.

During a meeting of the political bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee earlier this month, participants approved regulations calling for political bureau members to improve their work in eight ways, with a special focus on reducing extravagance and bureaucracy.

According to the10 regulations drawn up by the central military commission, the receptions will also no more have welcome banners, red carpets, floral arrangements, formations of soldiers, performances and souvenirs.

The new regulations also prohibit commission officials from staying in civilian hotels or military hotels, especially equipped with luxury accommodation during inspection tours.

They require officials to cut both the number and length of inspection tours, overseas visits, meetings and reports.

Also, the regulations state that speakers at meetings should avoid empty talk, while commission officials will not be allowed to attend ribbon-cutting and cornerstone-laying ceremonies, celebrations or seminars unless they have received approval from the of the CPC Central Committee or the Central Military Commission.

To prevent public disturbance, the use of vehicles equipped with sirens will be rigorously controlled during official visits.  

Not just that, the commission officials are also required to discipline their spouses, children and subordinates and ensuring not they do not take bribe.

Echoing the new central leadership's call to improve work styles, the central military commission has enacted the regulations.