China takes criminal gang crackdown to the grassroots

China is taking its crackdown on gang crimes to the grassroots level, according to a guideline published on Sunday.

China has vowed to get rid of village cadres who have been subjected to any criminal punishment or involved in bullying locals, gang-related crimes or a cult in its rural regions, the guideline said.

The guideline, issued by the General Offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, aims to strengthen and improve rural governance.

A joint review at the county level shall be undertaken for candidates in elections for village committees, the guideline states. It is prohibited to use improper means, such as vote buying, to influence or manipulate elections for village committees. Efforts will be made to crack down on mafia-like gangs and clan forces trying to interfere or undermine elections for village committees, the guideline said.

The guideline also stipulates that punishment for corruption at the grassroot level shall be boosted. Crackdowns on corruption at the primary level in rural areas shall be carried out and inspections on anti-corruption work in rural areas shall be promoted. Any corruption that harms farmers' interests will be investigated and prosecuted.

China stepped up the fight against gangs and launched a three-year national campaign against gang-related crimes in 2018.