Tips about suspected corruption cases welcomed as Internet plays larger role

The Communist Party of China's anti-corruption watchdog launched a new website on Monday as part of its efforts to enhance openness and transparency.

The website, ccdi.gov.cn, is jointly operated by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Ministry of Supervision. It replaces one that was previously run by the Ministry of Supervision, which used to focus on news and information about the ministry as well as the supervision system.

The two agencies have been sharing staff and offices since 1993, when the Party and the central government decided to merge their responsibilities to streamline organizations.

The website consists of 10 sections, including an online forum where the public can leave opinions and proposals, as well as ask questions about anti-corruption work.

The website receives tips about suspected corruption cases and releases information on anti-corruption investigations. The public can also access a database of laws and Party regulations related to corruption through the website.

The website aims to introduce the overall situation of the anti-corruption efforts by the Party and the government, an insider who declined to be identified said on Monday.

Ren Jianming, director of the Clean Governance Research and Education Center at Beihang University in Beijing, said, "The fact that the CPC's top discipline watchdog has set up its own website shows the Party has become much more transparent and confident."

He said central organs of the CPC such as the commission and the Organization Department used to keep a low profile in their work but have become more willing to open to the public.

"After the 18th National Congress of the CPC (in November), leaders from the anti-corruption body have noticed Internet users' contribution to the fight against corruption and misconduct by officials," he said. "That is why the website is highlighting its tip section."

More than 40 percent of cases in 2012 involving corruption and abuse of power were exposed through tips from the public, according to the Ministry of Supervision.

Some netizens have suggested that the Party's discipline watchdogs should open micro blog accounts to solicit tips.

Wu Hui, associate professor of Party building at the Party School of CPC Central Committee, said it is a practical option for the authorities to consider.

"However, authorities must draw a clear line between encouraging tips and protecting the whistle-blowers, and cracking down on rumors. Otherwise people will not dare report officials' misconducts for fear of retaliation."

President Xi Jinping has warned that corruption could destroy the Party.

He said the Party is determined to fight against "tigers", or high-ranking officials, along with "flies", or low-ranking ones.

Several ministerial- and vice-ministerial-level officials have been investigated for alleged corruption, including Jiang Jiemin, chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission; Liu Tienan, former deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission; and Li Chuncheng, former vice-governor of Sichuan province.

Xinhua and AFP contributed to this story.