ISTANBUL

China handled over 36,000 cases involving corruption that affected the public interest in the first half of 2023, local media reported on Monday, citing authorities. 

Additionally, more than 52,000 individuals underwent actions such as criticism, education, assistance, or punishment in response to these cases, China's highest supervisory and anti-corruption authority announced, as reported by local daily Global Times.

This involves not only punishing activities like embezzlement, misappropriation, false reporting, and extortion but also strengthening their oversight, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the National Commission of Supervision said.

The top anti-corruption watchdog pledged to eradicate corruption at the grassroots level in several domains.

These areas include employment, entrepreneurship, education, health care, pensions, social security, ecological and environmental protection, workplace safety, food and drug safety, law enforcement, and the judicial system.

To effectively address concerns related to public welfare, the top anti-corruption agency emphasized the importance of bolstering on-the-ground research and closely monitoring significant issues affecting people's lives.

Utilizing big data, anti-corruption authorities in eastern and southeastern Chinese provinces have taken steps to enhance local governance of public interest matters.

They have established an updated online monitoring platform through which the public can submit inquiries and gain insight into case proceedings.

In line with its efforts to combat corruption concerning the public interest, China's National Health Commission initiated a year-long campaign in August.

The campaign aims to crack down on corruption within the healthcare sector across the nation.