Hostname: page-component-5c6d5d7d68-wpx84 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-08-18T03:57:05.148Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The Politics of Corruption in the People's Republic of China

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2014

Alan P. L. Liu
Alan P. L. Liu*
Affiliation:
University of Californiaat Santa Barbara
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

This article analyzes pervasive political corruption in the People's Republic of China today, based on a collection of 275 media reports from 1977 to 1980. First, a description of the types of corruption, the characteristics of corruptors, and the urban-rural concentration of corruption is presented. Then, an analysis of the regional variation in corruption is made, taking into account political, strategic, social, and economic factors. Third, Chinese “theorizing” about the causes of corruption is described, and its correspondence with some outstanding Western theories on corruption is discussed. Finally, Chinese authorities' strategy of weakening the “system of corruption” in China is evaluated, especially the strengthening of social control.

Type
Research Article
Information
American Political Science Review , Volume 77 , Issue 3 , September 1983 , pp. 602 - 623
Copyright
Copyright © American Political Science Association 1983

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Aird, J. S. Recent provincial population figures. The China Quarterly, 1972, 73, 1–44.Google Scholar
Anderson, E. N., & Anderson, P. Bureaucratic institutionalization in nineteenth century Europe. In Heidenheimer, A. J. (Ed.), Political corruption: readings in comparative analysis. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1970.Google Scholar
Annual economic report of China (Zhongguo Jingji Nianjan). Beijing: Jingji Guanli Zazhi Se, 1981.Google Scholar
Aronson, J. By your pupils you'll be taught. Columbia Journalism Review, 1980, 1, 44–48.Google Scholar
Baoshan iron works of Zhengzhou Railway Bureau looted after being deactivated. RMRB, 11 14, 1980, p. 3.Google Scholar
Baum, R. Prelude to revolution. New York: Columbia University Press, 1975.Google Scholar
Biannic, G. AFP correspondent reports on ‘corruption’ in Peking. Daily Report-People's Republic of China. 06 26, 1977, p. El.Google Scholar
Butterfield, F. Peking prepares a drive against corrupt officials. The New York Times, 08 1, 1979, p. A5.Google Scholar
Butterfield, F. Apathy replaces Marxist idealism among Chinese. The New York Times, 12 30, 1980, pp. A1–A2.Google Scholar
Carry out the good tradition of the Party; transform cadres' style of work. RMRB, 08 3, 1978, p. 1.Google Scholar
The chemical fertilizer plant of Faku County left without care. RMRB, 03 5, 1981, p. 1.Google Scholar
Cheng, C. P. Party affairs in 1980. Chungkung Yen-chiu, 1981, 1, 25–40.Google Scholar
Chi, P. The CCP in 1974. Chungkung Yenchiu, 1975, 1, 15–41.Google Scholar
Chou, H. Reader's report. Ming Pao Daily News, 10 18, 1977, p. 3.Google Scholar
Chuan, K. An analysis of provincial party committee reform. Chungkung Yenchiu, 1978a, 2, 87–92.Google Scholar
Chuan, K. CCP Peking, Tientsin, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Honan first secretary shifted. Chungkung Yenchiu, 1978b, 12, 43–49.Google Scholar
Chun, K. Provincial party committees readjustment. Chungkung Yenchiu, 1977, 4, 45–48.Google Scholar
Chungkung Chimi Wenchien Huipien. Taipei: Center for the Study of International Relations, National Chengch'i University, 1978.Google Scholar
Commentator. Strictly control the purchasing power of social entities. RMRB, 01 4, 1979, p. 2.Google Scholar
Commentator. Build up spirit to manage well economic work. Hongqi, 1981, 19, 13–16.Google Scholar
Communique of central discipline inspecting commission criticizing commerce minister. RMRB, 10 17, 1980, p. 1.Google Scholar
The communique of party center on dealing severely with illegal and indisciplinary deeds in Henan. RMRB, 09 8, 1978, p. 1.Google Scholar
Concerning party style of work. RMRB, 02 28, 1981, pp. 1, 3.Google Scholar
The current of “attached purchase” should be stopped. RMRB, 08 12, 1978, p. 3.Google Scholar
Current of deviation as seen in a small incident. RMRB, 03 2, 1979, p. 3.Google Scholar
Deputy party secretary of Henan Wang Weichun led in indiscipline and illegality. RMRB, 11 13, 1978, p. 1.Google Scholar
Destroy “Gang of Four”; new hope for Zhejiang. RMRB, 12 18, 1976, p. 3.Google Scholar
The deviant and evil ways of the rural enterprises of the Wenzhou district must be stopped. RMRB, 06 22, 1979, p. 2.Google Scholar
Ding, Y. Some suggestions on the problem of the standardization of Chinese language. In Xiendai Hanyu Cuifan Wenti Xuesu Huiyi Wenjian Huibien. Peking: Kexue Chubanshe, 1956.Google Scholar
The embezzlement of Su Hua and others proven true. RMRB, 09 8, 1978, p. 3.Google Scholar
Expose the coverup conspiracy of the former responsible person of Heilongjiang provincial party committee. RMRB, 03 30, 1978, p. 1.Google Scholar
Fraser, J. Even some top Communists pull rank in China. The Christian Science Monitor, 09 26, 1979, p. 7.Google Scholar
The fraud of Zhang Liangchun. RMRB, 08 6, 1980, p. 3.Google Scholar
Frey, F. W. Communication and development. In Pool, I. de Sola & Schramm, W. (Eds.), Handbook of communication. Chicago: Rand McNally, 1973.Google Scholar
Fujian moves toward governance while exposing and criticizing “Gang of Four.” RMRB, 05 16, 1977, p. 4.Google Scholar
Grasp key points; deepen the criticism of Deng. RMRB, 08 23, 1976, p. 1.Google Scholar
Great change brought by big debate. RMRB, 01 14, 1976, p. 1.Google Scholar
Henan convenes conference to announce punishment of leaders of the Cultural Revolution. Ming Pao Daily News, 10 11, 1979, p. 3.Google Scholar
Henan provincial party committee takes measures to strengthen the basic units of the party. 04 15, 1981, p. 3.Google Scholar
Hoselitz, B. F. Main concepts in the analysis of the social implications of technical change. In Hoselitz, B. F. & Moore, W. E. (Eds.), Industrialization and society. Mouton: UNESCO, 1966.Google Scholar
Hu, J. On hitting “flies” and “tigers.” Ch'ih Shih Nien Tai, 1980, 5, 30–35.Google Scholar
Huang, K. Concerning party style of work. RMRB, 02 28, 1981, p. 1.Google Scholar
Huang, Z. Just how should one appraise this generation of youth. RMRB, 02 24, 1981, p. 5.Google Scholar
The importance of cleansing the leading organs as exemplified in the case of Fugou. RMRB, 09 13, 1978, p. 1.Google Scholar
Jing, D. The Party should not take the place of the State. Hongqi, 1980, 21, 5–8.Google Scholar
Key enterprises have too many bosses. RMRB, 12 6, 1978, p. 2.Google Scholar
Lardy, N. R. Economic growth and distribution in China. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1978.Google Scholar
Lei, Z. Confidence and trust. RMRB, 03 13, 1980, p. 5.Google Scholar
LeVine, V. T. Political corruption: the Ghana Case. Stanford, Calif.: Hoover Institution Press, 1975.Google Scholar
Li Guocai cheats, falsifies, and tyrannizes. RMRB, 09 25, 1980, p. 5.Google Scholar
Li, H. What does the “crisis in faith” signify? RMRB, 11 11, 1980, p. 5.Google Scholar
Li, Y. Chinese reality as reflected in new literary works. Ch'ih Shih Nien Tai, 1980, 6, 28–33.Google Scholar
Lin, B., & Shen, Z. On the so-called “opposition to the bureaucratic class.” Hongqi, 1981, 5, 12–18.Google Scholar
Liu, B. Between human and monster. Ch'ih Shih Nien Tai, 1979, 12, 22–38.Google Scholar
Lushan steel mill of Henan looted before and after closing. RMRB, 11 14, 1980, p. 3.Google Scholar
McMullan, M. Corruption in the public services of British colonies and ex-colonies in West Africa. In Heidenheimer, A. J. (Ed.), Political corruption: readings in comparative analysis. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1970.Google Scholar
Must learn a lesson. RMRB, 03 3, 1981, p. 2.Google Scholar
New situation in Chumadian district after overhauling discipline in finance. RMRB, 11 7, 1978, p. 1.Google Scholar
Not a few rural enterprises of Wenzhou district committed fraud in trade. RMRB, 09 13, 1981.Google Scholar
On opposition to the bureaucratic class. RMRB, 02 11, 1981, p. 4.Google Scholar
The out of ordinary burden of our enterprise is too heavy. RMRB, 04 5, 1979.Google Scholar
Peking press implies a purge of party 05 be imminent. The New York Times, 02 6, 1982, p. 2.Google Scholar
The people of Henan angrily denounce the “Gang of Four.” RMRB, 12 7, 1976, p. 2.Google Scholar
The practice of extra-payment by commerce agency to enterprises must be stopped. RMRB. 02 5, 1979, p. 2.Google Scholar
A province on the Eastern Coast. China News Analysis. 1968, 731, 1–7.Google Scholar
The provincial committee of Henan sets up tasks to cleanse provincial organization. RMRB, 07 23, 1979, p. 1.Google Scholar
Qi, C. Random thoughts on employment. RMRB. 04 7, 1980, p. 8.Google Scholar
Qian, J. Eliminate feudal vestige in economic work. Beijing Review. 1980, 52, 15–17.Google Scholar
Report of supreme people's procuratoracy. RMRB. 09 17, 1980, p. 2.Google Scholar
Resolve to overhaul financial discipline. RMRB. 09 16, 1978, p. 2.Google Scholar
The responsible persons of Luda City party committee seriously violate rules of finance. RMRB. 04 6, 1978, p. 1.Google Scholar
Rogow, A. A. The definition of corruption. In Heidenheimer, A. J. (Ed.), Political corruption: readings in comparative analysis. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1970.Google Scholar
Rogow, A. A., & Lasswell, H. D. Power, corruption and rectitude. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1963.Google Scholar
Roll, C. R. Jr., & Kung-Chia, Y. Balance in coastal and inland industrial development in the People's Republic of China. Santa Monica, Calif.: Rand Corporation, 1975.Google Scholar
Rose-Ackerman, S. Corruption: a study in political economy. New York: Academic Press, 1978.Google Scholar
Roth, G. Personal rulership, patrimonialism, and empire-building in the new states. World Politics. 1968, 2, 194–206.Google Scholar
Schurmann, F. Ideology and organization in Communist China. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1966.Google Scholar
A sinister counterrevolutionary plot. RMRB. 04 26, 1978, p. 3.Google Scholar
Smelser, N. J. Theory of collective behavior. New York: Free Press, 1971.Google Scholar
Song, J. On a great increase in the production of consumer goods. Hongqi. 1981a, 6, 8–12.Google Scholar
Song, J. A great increase in the production of consumer goods is an important task of the Party. RMRB. 07 1, 1981b, p. 6.Google Scholar
Staats, S. J. Corruption in the Soviet system. Problems of Communism. 1972, 1, 40–47.Google Scholar
Staff. Teng Hsiao-ping's speech to the Party central political bureau enlarged conference. Chungkung Yenchiu. 1981, 7, 104–139.Google Scholar
Sterba, J. P. Peking backs use of opinion polls. The New York Times. 08 25, 1980, p. 3.Google Scholar
Strive to make a leap forward in housing construction. RMRB. 09 16, 1978, p. 1.Google Scholar
Take effective measure to control the purchasing power of social entities. RMRB. 08 19, 1979, p; 2.Google Scholar
Tian, J. & Wensen, L. Planning should not leave gaps. RMRB. 12 13, 1978, p. 3.Google Scholar
Tian, Y. More consumer goods. Beijing Review. 1980, 47, 20–28.Google Scholar
Tianjin City opens up to wage “people's war” against the “Gang of Four.” RMRB. 07 29, 1978, p. 1.Google Scholar
To change social ethos requires the mobilization of the entire society. RMRB. 11 1, 1980, p. 3.Google Scholar
Too many miscellaneous taxation and contributions required of factories and mines. RMRB. 05 2, 1979, p. 4.Google Scholar
The ugly deed of “control through cliques.” RMRB. 05 17, 1977, p. 4.Google Scholar
We have confidence that the work in Henan will improve. RMRB. 01 10, 1979, p. 2.Google Scholar
What does the fate of two superior party members testify. RMRB. 04 24, 1981, p. 3.Google Scholar
What students believe in. Time. 11 10, 1980, p. 57.Google Scholar
With gifts everything can be done; to give or not to give gifts. RMRB. 12 13, 1977, p. 3.Google Scholar
Wong, C. H. Regrouping provincial party personnel. Chungkung Yenchiu. 1979, 6, 31–37.Google Scholar
Wren, C. S. Chinese try to allay rumors that Deng's power is fading. The New York Times. 02 9, 1982a, p. A4.Google Scholar
Wren, C. S. China planning crackdown on government corruption. The New York Times. 02 10, 1982b, p. A9.Google Scholar
Yu, R. Pay attention to the research on theory of economic development in backward areas. Guang-ming Ribao. 01 31, 1981, p. 4.Google Scholar
Yu, Y. A prevailing thought of sordid merchants. RMRB. 12 17, 1980, p. 3.Google Scholar
Zhang, C. The ideals and practice of a Communist party member. Hongqi. 1980, 13, 8–11.Google Scholar
Zhang, L. Restrain the current of protecting deviation. RMRB. 01 29, 1982, p. 5.Google Scholar
Zhang, Z. Thoroughly implement “standard of inner party political life”; persist on democratic centralism. RMRB. 10 4, 1980, p. 3.Google Scholar
Zhao, C. Talk at the forum on legal establishment. RMRB. 10 29, 1978, p. 2.Google Scholar
Zhao, Y. Education of law should expand greatly. RMRB. 10 10, 1980, p. 5.Google Scholar
Zhejiang Academy of Social Sciences convenes conference on the question of new born bourgeoisie. RMRB. 10 2, 1978, p. 3.Google Scholar
Zheng, T. On Madame Curie's refusal of patent right. RMRB. 07 10, 1979, p. 4.Google Scholar
Zhengzhou railway station rids itself of the ill effects of the “Gang of Four.” RMRB. 05 14, 1977, p. 4.Google Scholar
Zhou, J. Appraising the Dazhai brigade. Beijing Review. 1981, 16, 24–28.Google Scholar
Zhou, S., & Lin, S. On the housing problem. RMRB. 08 5, 1980, p. 5.Google Scholar
Zhu, W. Oh, my brothers and elders! RMRB. 11 8, 1980, p. 5.Google Scholar
Submit a response

Comments

No Comments have been published for this article.