China's General Staff Headquarters, the General Political Department, the General Logistics Department and the General Armament Department of the People's Liberation Army have jointly issued a rule to prevent crimes committed in the line of duty, Xinhua reported.
The rule which takes effect on Dec. 1 focuses on some key military fields of assignment deemed "prone to corruption," which include personnel, finance, construction, oil management, materials and armament procurement, health care, real estate and reception services.
The rule also provides a set of detailed regulations for 44 high-risk links and over 130 problems that should be noticed, and lays down clear prevention measures. More specifically, it puts forward a "prevention mechanism" for duty crimes as well as strengthened the warning and punishment system.
The new rule also more clearly delineates the functions of the concerned disciplinary, auditing and other bodies which are tasked to oversee good behavior on the part of China's military.
The issuance of the new rule came as the PLA continues its campaign to weed out corruption in China's military. Presently, several top-level generals are now either facing investigation, or are already being given sanction, for proven or suspected serious legal and disciplinary violations.
In March, Gu Junshan, former deputy head of the PLA General Logistics Department, was prosecuted for embezzlement, bribery, misuse of state funds and abuse of power.
In October, Yang Jinshan, a lieutenant-general and former deputy head of the Chengdu Military Command, was investigated for gravely violating Party discipline.
Also in October, Xu Caihou, former vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, was accused of receiving bribes in exchange for using his position to assist in the promotion of others and of using his influence to help others make monetary profits.
Geng Yansheng, a spokesman for China's Ministry of Defense, at a news conference last week told reporters: "I have to stress that the People's Liberation Army has zero tolerance for corrupt officials. We will make thorough investigations into all corruption cases in the PLA, without any leniency, no matter who is involved and whatever level the official is."