BEIJING, Jan. 26 -- The People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on Monday urged Party members to follow Party rules.

One of the major differences between a Party member and the general public is whether he or she knows the rules (of the Party) and follows them, said an editorial.

The paper said strict discipline was necessary in the current situation and listed officials' bad behavior in ignoring Party rules and "bargaining" with the Party, such as asking for promotion or better treatment, complaining or showing reluctance in their duties, or disregarding Party decisions in their departments.

The paper said that having reservations about some issues in order to pursue the truth is in accordance with the Party's principles, however, seeking personal interests or so-called freedom cannot be justified.

Party members still have to listen to their superiors and obey collective decisions. They have to confer with the Party when handling major issues and fully implement decisions.

The paper said that corruption originated in disregarding the Party and its rules and that the Soviet Union disintegrated because Party members no longer observed its rules.