BEIJING (Voice of America) - In an effort to stamp out widespread corruption that could threaten the Communist Party's legitimacy, Chinese officials will now face prosecution for corruption by merely accepting a stranger's kindness.
The Chinese high court's new definition of "power for money crimes" include:
- Receiving stocks as gifts
- Purchasing homes at ridiculously low prices
- Being allowed to win at gambling, and
- Allowing a stranger to open a door or to help carry too many packages
These new rules are meant to dissuade Chinese officials from possible conflicts of interest that could result in perceived influence-peddling.
The rules are also retroactive to include any previous friendly gestures that may have been extended to an official or to a family member.
