Interview: Anti-corruption, strict discipline hallmark of new CPC leadership, says Laos scholar

Anti-corruption and strict discipline have become hallmarks of the new leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), a Lao scholar has observed.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Phosy Chanhming, director of the China Studies Center of the National University of Laos, voiced support for the CPC's key tasks such as anti-corruption and strict party discipline as stressed by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee (CPCCC), in the party building.

"I strongly support what the CPC is doing right now," Phosy said ahead of the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee that opened in Beijing on Monday, which focuses on comprehensive and strict management of the party.

"At anytime, the commitment of 'from the people, for the people, and for the common interests of the people' should be strictly adhered to," the scholar said.

Phosy believes that anti-corruption and party building will help create more favorable conditions for economic development.

"Some people may think that anti-corruption and anti-bureaucracy may harm economic development. But in fact, the exact opposite is true," he said.

"If we fight corruption and bureaucracy to create a transparent environment, investors' confidence will be enhanced and more money will pour in," he said.

The situation in the CPC is similar to that in the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), said Phosy, as the two have been strengthening intra-party supervision.

During the 10th congress of the LPRP held in early 2016, there were calls from the party itself to strengthen the party structure.

"Particularly, the party strives to strengthen its leadership as well as improve the quality of its party members through tightening party inspection, so as to achieve rapid economic growth and promote Laos' reputation in the international arena," he said.

In recent years, the LPRP has endeavored to strengthen its overall leadership through party building and to improve the quality of its party members, which have helped to maintain political stability and promote the economic growth of the country.

"We need to strictly follow what has been written in the party's rules. That would be the key," he said.

The LPRP has been facing challenges of inequality, competition, adaptability to a changing environment, among others.

To deal with the challenges, the LPRP has been comparing notes with sister parties and parties of other countries, including the CPC, Phosy said.

"The LPRP always focuses on party building and intra-party supervision, track down violations and review the quality of its members," the scholar said.

"We educate those members who commit minor violations and try to solve problems to ensure social stability, peace and order. We can gain public credibility by doing this," he said. Endi