The Washington Post: Chinese Officials Told To "tighten Their Belts"

• 19.05.2025, 17:26

Expensive alcohol, cigarettes and gourmet meals will no longer be offered at work lunches.

China's ruling Communist Party has ordered officials to cut government spending. Expensive alcohol, cigarettes and gourmet meals will no longer be offered at work lunches, and conferences will no longer feature lush floral arrangements.

The The Washington Post writes that China is facing economic difficulties - an ongoing trade war with the United States and slowing growth at home. As a result, officials have been ordered to tighten their belts and "lead frugal lifestyles."

"Practicing frugality and opposing waste is a glorious tradition and fine style of our party," the official People's Daily said in an article.

Another editorial in Shanghai Paper said the campaign will help create a culture in which "waste is considered shameful and frugality is honored."

According to analysts, the campaign is about Chinese leader Si Jinping's control in a time of uncertainty.

"Campaigns like this are always about power and legitimacy, about the leadership demonstrating control and discipline rather than setting rules for clean governance and accountability," said David Bandurski, director of the China Media Project.

This is not the first time officials have cracked down on excess. Xi launched a campaign for thrift shortly after coming to power in 2012 as part of a broader effort to root out government corruption, which many analysts said was a way to purge rivals. The campaign was relaunched in March this year.