China cuts govt spending on vehicles

BEIJING - China's central authorities have cut the number of government vehicles by 61.8 percent in the past five years, the National Government Offices Administration said Tuesday.

From 2012 to 2016, central authorities have reduced the number of government vehicles by 3,868, of which 2,046 have been sold by public auction, according to a statement released by the administration.

In 2016, the central government spending on receptions was 419 million yuan ($63.6 million), 72.3 percent less than 2012, according to the statement.

It pointed out that, not just central authorities are cutting government expenses, local governments are also making cuts.

In 2016, government spending on receptions in Tianjin municipality, Liaoning and Fujian provinces all dropped by over 70 percent compared with 2012 figures, the statement said.

China has long been plagued by officials who use their expense accounts for personal travel in the name of official visits, use work vehicles on personal errands, and enjoy luxurious receptions and accommodation.

However, the frugality campaign launched by central authorities is driving down expenses in a bid to build a cleaner and more transparent government.