by BRI Forum 

 

Recently, the ninth session of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption was held where a high-level delegation from China participated via video link. China has been proactively participating in this conference since signing the convention in 2003. China’s presence and effective participation reflect the government’s strong resolve to abide and contribute towards the anti-corruption campaign. China attaches great importance to the implementation of the Convention.

 

After signing the Convention in 2003 China ratified it in 2006 and later set to implement it fully by making requirement amendments in its Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure Law. For guidance and making the clarity towards building a clean government, CPC has played an important role. As a result of these policies of CPC, China has not only abode by the international norms about anti-corruption but has also contributed to the global scale too.  This clarity leads to China’s outstanding development that is unmatched and the goals that were set forth have been achieved. China has not only put effort into finding the symptoms, root causes but also enforce stable long-term solutions too.

 

History also reveals that Chinese people have realized in the early stages of state-building that corruption is like cancer for the society that eats away not only democracy but also diminishes the ability for the nation to innovate and progress. This realization at all levels of  CPC helped create structures that were enforced fully in letter and spirit.  These laws and statutes were revamped, keeping in view the changing circumstances and requirements. Over the years, the leaders of CPC and the Central Committee have continued to pursue a zero-tolerance policy for illegal work and bribery.

 

Even the main party leaders found involved were not spared. These high examples have set the stage that the laws in China are equal for everyone and are blind when it comes to delivering justice. This has caused much-required trust in the institutions, CPC, and its leadership. The firm resolve has also led to establishing the State Supervisory Committee established in 2018. In fact, it led and honored China’s commitment to enforce anti-corruption laws. According to the recent official figures, different levels of inspection and investigation have revealed cases of corruption and that has been dealt with an iron fist.

 

In the Chinese anti-Corruption drive, the role of CPC is towering. Apart from other leaders in the history of CPC, building on the grand legacy of ancestors, President Xi Jinping has made a phenomenal contribution towards this important path. This process has also helped CPC  gain much-deserved respect and people’s appreciation. When President Xi assumed office, corruption was the biggest impediment to good governance in China. Over the past nine years, more than 400 officials at the ministerial level have been punished or investigated, including a former member of the CPC's Standing Committee on Politics and two former deputy chairpersons of the Central Military Commission. 

 

The year 2021 marks the ninth year of President Xi’s anti-corruption drive, the most comprehensive in Chinese history with no ending signs, especially with its efficiency. Over the years, more than 20 senior executives and officials of the administration in the financial sector have been penalized or investigated. In addition, a former high-ranking official in a federal law firm was investigated and punished according to the law.

 

As the UNCAC, a multilateral banner, that is assisting to curb cross-border corruption, recovery of assets, and repatriation of fugitives. There is a strong need for countries to refuse to give support to corrupt individuals and assets. China also opposes using anti-corruption as a drive to uphold false levels and definitions of democracy. At this important meeting, China put forward four proposals on how to uphold the international anti-corruption drive. First and foremost is about fairness and justice. The second is about the respect for differences with a mutual learning opportunity, the third is win-win cooperation through consultative mechanisms, and finally, countries should honor commitments and take actions.

 

Pakistan can also build its global standing by following the tried and tested models with better governance and justice systems. Through collaboration, both countries can build a community of a shared future for mankind.