Here are 20 quotes from Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding stringent requirements for Party members. Most of them, colloquial but harsh, are revealed for the first time. Read them, and you will understand Xi's zero tolerance on corruption within the Communist Party of China.
Xi's harsh remarks on corruption
Shirk responsibility? No!
"Hold the provincial-level Party chiefs accountable." -Jan 23, 2014
Xi made the remark while urging provincial Party chiefs to rectify the local problems uncovered by central inspection teams and strengthen Party disciplines.
"Never dream about feigning innocence and playing a peacemaker. "- Jan 14, 2014
Xi urged Party and disciplinary committees at all levels to shoulder the responsibility of fighting corruption, warning that officials who turn a blind eye to local graft issues and take a "none–of-my-business" attitude shall be held accountable.
"Where were the main-duty holders?"- June 26, 2014
Xi demanded that local senior officials be held responsible if corruption becomes rampant in their administrative regions.
Never seek illegal economic gains.
"They just laugh it off!" - May 9, 2014
Xi criticized some officials for squandering public funds. He noted that rules in managing public money should be with the utmost respect and focus.
"A minor problem?"
Xi warned that the practices of recklessly receiving gifts or sending out bonuses are forms of corruption. Any abuse of power for personal gain should be eradicated.
"What separates them from money managers?" - May 9, 2014
Xi used the term "financial keeper" to describe those officials who were convicted of corruption and had to turn over the money embezzled or received in bribes after being investigated.
Be self-disciplined!
"It starts with me." -Jan 22, 2013
Using himself as an example, Xi demanded China's top-ranking officials take the lead in implementing the eight-point rules against "extravagance, formalism and bureaucracy."
"Corrupt military officers are unqualified to supervise others." -July 8, 2013
Xi made the remarks at a meeting of the Central Military Commission, demanding military officials stay clean to set an example for the soldiers.
"(It is wrong) when you say stop talking and I heard nothing."—Jan 14, 2014
Xi cited the remarks by some officials who willfully turn a blind eye to corruption.
"The hidden rules within the Party" – May 9, 2014
Xi said he knew of certain "rules" that have been used among Party members for years, for instance, "a subordinate favors his superior who instead should provide shelter for follower".
Power within the confines of the law.
"The sky won't fall." -Sep 26, 2013
Xi used this metaphor to emphasize everything will remain calm when a senior official is caught and punished for breaking the law.
"Watch your words and toe the Party line." – Jan 22, 2013
The words were made to urge Party members to govern both their words and actions in the confines of constitutional laws and Party disciplines. No Party members can abuse their powers.
"I wonder where the officials got the magical tools." – May 9, 2014
The remarks are made as Xi called for the harsh punishment of officials who hold multiple ID cards or green cards from other countries. It has become a pattern for corrupt officials to send their family members overseas.
No such thing as a political umbrella.
"Party members are forbidden to become dependents on higher-level officials." – Jan 14, 2014
Xi made the remarks in an apparent move to have a zero-tolerance policy on cronyism or sycophancy within the Communist Party of China. Party members should work together on equal terms and never try to obtain higher positions by favoring superior officials.
"Never form cliques and factions." – Sept 23-25, 2013
Xi warned the Party members against using political connections to gain unfair interests. The remarks were made during an inspection visit to Hebei province, North China.
"Do you really think you live by social connections and bribery?" – Jan 22, 2013
Xi warned that social connections and bribery have hampered the development of a healthy society. Equal opportunities are emphasized in this remark and therefore Party members should root out the practice of abusing power, including bribery, cronyism and nepotism.
Don't seek money-for-position deals.
"Some Party officials are obsessed with seeking political protection umbrellas and making social connections." – June 26, 2014
Xi criticized the malpractice of election fraud that involves bribery, manipulation of election rules and "sale" of government official positions.
"It is evil for officials to use poverty-relief fund for higher-position deals."
Xi said there were officials who embezzled public social security funds to buy their way into official posts. He described those acts as "outrageously evil" and said officials caught doing those acts should be punished harder.
Anti-graft campaign never rests.
"Don't count the bill just yet!" -June 26, 2014
In this remark, Xi showed his determination to continue fighting corruption, asking officials not to count the number of corrupt Party members that have been punished. According to Xi, the fight is on going.
"Has anti-corruption move slowed down the economy?"
Xi said it is wrong for people to think that the undergoing anti-corruption policies will shrink consumer demands, and even connect the pressures of the current economic downturn with the increasing number of anti-corruption activities.