China targets extravagant landmark buildings

China's central authorities have required all government departments and localities to check for construction of extravagant landmark buildings.

The central authorities' leading group on China's "mass-line" campaign said that recent years have seen some localities and departments race to build luxurious buildings which have not only wasted governments' revenues, imposing financial burdens on the people, but have also encouraged the spread of extravagance and hedonism.

According to a circular issued by the leading group, which was made public on Monday, the overhaul will particularly target the construction of such cosmetic projects with funds originally allocated to poverty reduction and disaster relief, or those by governments that are in debt.

The circular asked government departments and localities to take correctional measures if such buildings do exist. It did not specify the measures but said the job is crucial to the image of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as well as the government.

Moreover, the circular said, should violations be found, especially if they were committed after the anti-bureaucracy campaign was launched following the 18th CPC National Congress, the responsible officials will be sternly punished.

According to the leading group, governments, state-owned enterprises and public institutions should dedicate personnel to take charge of the internal checks. Leading groups of the mass-line campaign at all levels should step up supervision.

The mass-line campaign was launched last June to cement Party-people ties and cut undesirable work styles such as bureaucracy and extravagance.