Chinese premier vows 'zero-tolerance' to corruption

BEIJING, March 13 -- China will show "zero-tolerance" to corrupt officials no matter "how senior his position is," Premier Li Keqiang said at a press conference Thursday after the annual parliamentary session concluded.

"China is a country under rule of law. No matter who he is, and how senior his position is, if he violates Party discipline and the law of the country, he will be punished to the full extent, because everybody is equal before the law," Li said.

"Corruption is a natural enemy of the people's government," Li said. "We must put the exercise of power and the use of public money under institutional checks."

Li said the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government are firm in will and determination to fight corruption, and "that is our consistent position."

Since its 18th National Congress, the CPC has been steadfast in combating corruption and holding corrupt officials accountable, Li said, adding that visible progress has been made in this regard and the Party and the government will carry forward this campaign with perseverance.

Li said that the government will continue to streamline administration and delegate government powers.

The government will step up its efforts for the release of "a list of powers" and define a clear boundary for the exercise of power to ensure that power is not abused, he said.

The government will also carry out comprehensive audit in those areas which are of high concern to the public, such as the revenues on the transfer of land use rights and transfer of mining rights, according to Li.

"We will take institutional steps to ensure... corruption will have nowhere to hide," Li said.