The Central Committee of the Communist Party and the State Council of China have adopted a new regulation tightening control over official spending. The document, comprising 63 articles, aims to combat waste and calls for "strict adherence to official standards" in areas such as official expenses, meals, travel, and gifts.
According to RBK, citing the Xinhua News Agency, civil servants and party cadres are now banned from consuming gourmet dishes, cigarettes, and alcohol during working lunches.
For instance, Article 20 prohibits "expensive entertainment and gifts, securities, and payment vouchers", as well as participation in gambling abroad.
"When travelling abroad, state funds must not be used for exchanging gifts between institutions or state-owned enterprises, nor for entertaining each other," the document states.
It notes that during domestic business trips, any formal receptions for officials at airports and train stations are banned. They are also forbidden from sending or delivering parcels between regions. Official travel groups are limited to no more than one accompanying person.
Additionally, the conditions for business trips have been tightened. Officials are required to arrange transport, accommodation, and meals strictly in accordance with official standards.
"It is forbidden to use chartered civil aviation flights, as well as private, corporate, and foreign airlines in violation of regulations; to provide housing and transport exceeding the norm; to increase the number of countries or regions visited; or to change the route or duration of the business trip without permission," the regulation states.
The document specifies that officials must act with "diligence and frugality", and that "wastefulness is shameful".
It has come to light that at the end of 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that China's economy had entered a phase of stagnation: companies are cutting costs, postponing investments, laying off employees, and consumers, expecting further price drops, are delaying major purchases. This is leading to slowing demand and declining business activity.
China's Finance Minister, Lan Fo'an, at the time urged officials to "tighten their belts" and spend budget funds carefully.
For context, previously the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, called for total savings in budget spending and using funds only for the most pressing tasks.
"It is time to tighten our belts and live within our means," the head of state emphasised at an expanded government meeting in January.