Tightening the screws

The Party is increasing scrutiny of China's 30 million public employees.

The Party's Central Organization Department and the human resources ministry (MoHRSS) recently revised rules for punishing misdeeds by employees at public institutions – the first update to the rules since 2012.

ICYDK: Public institutions include public schools, hospitals, research institutions, and state-run news outlets.

• China has over 1 million such institutions, employing over 30 million full-time staff.

Notably, the updated rules add penalties for employees who:

• Fail to implement major Party decisions
• Openly oppose Party leadership, the socialist system, and reform and opening
• Go on overseas tours or acquire foreign residency without authorization

They may get warned, demoted, or fired, depending on the circumstances.

Get smart: The updated rules mean that even non-Party members must more closely toe the Party line.

Get smarter: The rules will make public employees wary of interacting with foreigners.

• That will pose challenges for MNC engagement strategies.