Xi: Audits to bolster clean governance

President heads new commission to enhance Party's leadership

President Xi Jinping urged on Wednesday the establishment of an authoritative and efficient audit system to boost clean governance and better supervise the country's public sectors.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remark at the first meeting of the Audit Commission of the CPC Central Committee.

Xi, director of the new commission, called its establishment a great measure to enhance the Party's leadership over auditing work.

CPC Central Committee requirements on auditing work must be implemented, Xi said, adding that the country's auditing resources must be fully utilized.

Premier Li Keqiang and Zhao Leji, secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the country's top anti-graft watchdog, are deputy directors of the commission.

Calling audits an important part of the Party's and the country's supervision system, Xi spoke highly of the role that audit authorities have played in maintaining the country's financial and economic order, improving the efficiency of financial funds, and boosting clean governance in the past 30 years.

Since the Party's 18th National Congress in 2012, audit authorities have made great contributions to the implementation of the CPC Central Committee's policies — maintaining national economic security, deepening overall reform, advancing the rule of law and fighting corruption, Xi said.

The Audit Commission of the CPC Central Committee should enhance top-level design and coordination to provide an effective guide for the auditing work, Xi said.

The president told the audit authorities to keep their thoughts and actions in line with the CPC Central Committee, resolutely safeguard the centralized and unified leadership of the committee and implement the requirements of the committee.

Xi said audit authorities should keep a close eye on funds and projects that are related to the people's livelihood.

The audit authorities should fully implement the spirit of the Party's 19th National Congress, fulfill their duties in accord with the laws, promote high-quality growth and promote anti-graft work, Xi said.

The president highlighted the importance of deepening reform in the auditing sector, saying that audit authorities should investigate new problems and new trends in economic and social development.

Xi told audit authorities to make efforts to build up an auditing force with firm belief, professional skills, pragmatic work style and integrity.

Officials at all levels must cooperate with auditors, accept supervision from the auditing authorities, rectify problems found by the auditors and improve relevant measures in all areas, Xi said. Those who create barriers to block auditing work must be held accountable, he added.

During the meeting, the members of the Audit Commission of the CPC Central Committee reviewed and adopted rules and regulations on audit work.