China's anti-corruption cabinet meeting

China's new Premier, Li Keqiang said he will expand anti-corruption efforts, by tightening control over official power and forcing local governments to publish how they spend taxpayer money...

He made the pledge on Tuesday at a State Council meeting dedicated to anti-corruption work.

PKG

In his first anti-corruption work meeting with the country's new cabinet, Premier Li Keqiang said the government must be constrained by rule of law.

Describing cleanup efforts as 'a crucial task,' he said failure to curb corruption, will cause the ruling Communist Party to lose public support.

And that transparency, is one of the most effective ways of maintaining credibility.

The Premier urged authorities to disclose information related to what he called "the vital interests of the people", including pollution and food safety.

After slowing fiscal income growth, he also said the government should tighten its purse strings...

Li promised government departments would refrain from using public funds to build new government offices, as well as cut the number of government employees.

He also called on local governments to publish their budgets and final accounts, including money used for state-funded overseas trips, cars and receptions.

Aside from calls to boost transparency in spending, Li said delegating power to lower government levels, is key to countering corruption...

Along with cutting out the government's role entirely, when the market is more capable.

But despite these sweeping reforms, Li admitted fighting corruption remains a heavy challenge.

He urged the central government to step up supervision over local authorities... And warned that those who don't comply, will be held legally liable.