Zero Tolerance for Corruption Behind China's Success, Says Envoy

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Pingjian on Thursday identified a zero tolerance posture against corruption as the major secret behind the numerous successes China has achieved in recent times, with the prosecution of millions of Chinese indicted for corruption.

Pingjian also identified high regards for intra party democracy and a people oriented policy as been responsible for the evolvement of modern China. 

The envoy made the disclosure at a colloquium organised by the Centre for China Studies  to commemorate the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Abuja.

According to him, "Five years ago, the new central leadership with Xi Jinping as the core launched a high profile anti corruption campaign, which has led to the downfall of a number of high-level officials, known as "tigers" and low-level "flies who serve at the grassroots level.

"More than 70,000 officials at or above the country-head level, including 41 members or alternate members of the CPC Central Committee,  have been investigated for suspected corruption since the 18th CPC National Congress.

"1.34m township-level and 648,000 party members and officials in rural areas were also punished. China also worked with the international community to hunt corruption suspects who had fled overseas."

The envoy said the campaign against corruption by the administration has reinforced the people's trust and confidence in the party. 

He described China and Africa as “trustworthy friends and sincere partners, adding that the 19th CPC National Congress would “give a fresh boost” to China-Africa Cooperation and China-Nigeria strategic partnership.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara in a goodwill noted that China had been an important partner in promoting development in Nigeria and Africa.

Dogara said that it was in the light of this that the lawmakers believe that the 2017 National Congress of the Communist Party of China will most assuredly provide another opportunity to consolidate on the gains of the on-going bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.

The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China which opened in Beijing on Oct.18, is held every five years, and would have party delegates elect the new leadership of the CPC with uttermost priority given to political integrity and progressiveness when considering a candidate. 

On his part, Director, Centre for China Studies, Charles Onanuju urged the Federal Government to access the membership of the Asia Infrastructure Investment (AIIB) Bank to facilitate infrastructure development in the country.

He said Nigeria stands to benefit a lot from being a member of an organisation that would support her  development in line with the mandate of the current administration.

"China has initiated a multilateral institution, the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, with a chief mission of providing funds to heavy infrastructure projects especially in developing countries.