China's anti-waste campaign extends beyond dinner table (2)

The use of government vehicles for private purposes also aroused people's attention.

Statistics from the Ministry of Finance showed that, in 2011, public spending on official receptions, trips and government vehicles reached 9.36 billion yuan (1.5 billion U.S. dollars). Money spent on government car purchases and maintenance accounted for 60 percent of the total sum.

In a special campaign between 2007 and 2012 to crack down on illegal purchases of government cars, a total of 199,600 cars were found to have been bought or used in violation of rules.

People dubbed the phenomenon "extravagance on wheels."

"The extravagance and corruption in the use of government cars not only undermines public funds, but also public trust in the Party and the government," said Zhu Lijia, a professor with the Chinese Academy of Governance.

In a commentary run by the People's Daily, the newspaper urged promotion of a rational, scientific and sustainable philosophy of consumption in the current Chinese society.

"The pursuit of a decent life should not turn into an unscrupulous indulging in material satisfaction," it said.

It also noted that to rectify the vice of extravagance, the entire society should work to provide more diversified views in evaluating people's achievements, fair opportunities for people's development and healthier concepts in people's lifestyles.