Coming to grips with corruption

The authorities in Beijing have once again demonstrated their determination to come to grips with rampant corruption in the country through a renewed and toughened campaign. Previous anti- corruption drives have been half-hearted and come to a halt after a handful of low-level arrests to appease the public.

But the decision to bring Chen Xitong to trial is a welcome sign that Beijing is willing to go after top officials. Prosecutor-General Zhang Siqing announced this week that Beijing's disgraced Communist Party chief will be charged with corruption and dereliction of duty.

Bringing an allegedly corrupt official to trial is a desirable end in itself, but to be made more effective, it must be part of an ongoing war waged against corruption. It is not enough to have a well-organized and efficient anti-corruption campaign. Beijing must at the same time reform the country's legal system and embrace the rule of law. Only when large numbers of rotten officials are locked up will the foundations of the culture of corruption begin to shake and crumble.

Beijing's anti-corruption efforts will also benefit from the recent decision to downsize the government. Reducing the size of the bureaucracy will make it easier for supervisors to do their job.

For as long as the Communist Party has ruled on the mainland, one of the favored slogans for those wielding power has been to serve the people. But there will always be those who abuse power in order to enrich themselves. If Beijing wants to gain the full confidence of the mainland people, Hong Kong and the rest of the world, the country's network of corruption must be broken down and top officials like Chen Xitong must be the main targets.

-- The Hong Kong Standard