What is CPC discipline like?

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All Chinese citizens are subject to Chinese law, of course. But members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) must also adhere to the Party's code of conduct, which is even more demanding than the law. You could say they are subject to much stricter standards than ordinary citizens. In any case, members have good reasons to behave!

CGTN Photo

What are the expectations?

A CPC member is expected to show personal and political integrity at all times, so Party regulations are there to ensure suitable behavior and prevent any misconduct.

There are many different types of violations, and penalties for them can range from a simple warning to removal from office or even expulsion from the Party.

Who do the rules apply to?

Nobody is immune and even top officials within the Party's leadership have fallen foul of CPC discipline.

CGTN Photo

One example is Zhou Yongkang, a former member of the Political Bureau Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee – China's top decision-making body – who was sentenced to life in prison in 2015 for bribery, abuse of power, and disclosing state secrets.

But even before he was arrested, Zhou was expelled from the CPC. An internal investigation found he had violated Party discipline not just by taking bribes and using his influence to help enrich friends and family members, but also by committing adultery and undermining the image of the Party.

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