China unveils strict rules for new govt buildings

BEIJING - China will implement strict rules for new construction projects by the agencies of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the government as of Dec 1, 2017.

The regulation was made public on Friday under a State Council decree signed by Premier Li Keqiang.

Strict controls were placed on the construction, expansion, renovation and purchase of halls and buildings by Party and government agencies, as well as organizations funded by central finance.

The construction of any reception venue that offers accommodation and conference halls will be prohibited, while no office buildings should be built under the guise of other purposes, according to the regulation.

China will also tighten the management of approval and funding for new office buildings. Office building maintenance must strictly follow approval procedures and maintenance standards, and no extravagant decorations or facilities will be allowed.

The country will stop illegal building projects and punish those involved in the cases.

The CPC Central Committee and the State Council attaches great importance to the controls on new buildings as a part of the country's efforts to implement the eight-point frugality code adopted since December 2012.