China to audit army officials before promotion

Chinese military officials will be required to undergo a thorough audit before they are promoted, the Central Military Commission (CMC) said Tuesday.

Military officers who are recommended as candidates for regimental commander-level posts or above, those who are about to retire, and those who are up for transfer to civilian posts will have to undergo an audit before leaving their posts, Xinhua reported.

The move "will have significant and far-reaching impact on strengthening the management and supervision of military officials, improving their work style and fighting against corruption", according to the CMC.

The audit will target officials' real estate property, their use of power, official cars and service personnel. Officials from units or enterprises affiliated with the military will also be included in the auditing.

Military officials will be transferred or removed from their current posts if they fail to "fulfil their economic responsibilities" or seriously violate relevant regulations, according to the guideline.

The move to promote clean work styles in the military came as part of a more comprehensive campaign against corruption launched by the Communist Party of China at the end of 2012.