In April 2023, nationwide investigations revealed 6,412 cases of violations related to the spirit of the Central Eight-Point Regulations.

    On May 29, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission released the consolidated report on nationwide cases involving violations of the spirit of the Central Committee's Eight-Point Regulations for April 2023. In April of this year, a total of 6,412 such cases were investigated across the country, resulting in disciplinary and educational measures being taken against 9,204 individuals. Among them, 6,280 people received Party disciplinary actions or administrative penalties. This marks the 116th consecutive month that monthly data has been publicly released.

　　Looking at the types of issues investigated, in April, nationwide efforts uncovered 2,347 cases involving failures to fulfill duties, inadequate action, improper actions, and even deceptive practices—issues that severely hinder high-quality development, particularly in areas such as performing responsibilities, supporting economic and social growth, and protecting the ecological environment. These cases accounted for 87% of all identified problems related to formalism and bureaucratic inefficiency. Additionally, among the violations investigated, three key categories—illegally receiving or giving valuable local specialties, gifts, and cash gifts; engaging in inappropriate dining and drinking; and improperly distributing allowances, subsidies, or employee benefits—made up 43.3%, 21.1%, and 15.9% of all cases linked to hedonism and extravagance, respectively.

　　From the perspective of investigation levels, in April, a total of 2 cases involving provincial- and ministerial-level officials were investigated nationwide, along with 39 cases involving bureau- and department-level officials, 493 cases involving county- and division-level officials, and 5,878 cases involving township- and section-level officials and below. Notably, cases involving township- and section-level officials and below accounted for 91.7% of all investigated cases.

　　The Central Eight Provisions are enduring, ironclad rules and unwavering standards that must be consistently enforced without the slightest relaxation. Any violations committed in defiance of these regulations will be swiftly addressed and rigorously investigated—rooted firmly in the goal of preventing resurgence, countering subtle shifts, and avoiding complacency or burnout. As the Dragon Boat Festival holiday approaches, disciplinary inspection and supervision agencies at all levels should step up pre-holiday education and reminders on integrity, fostering a clean and upright festive atmosphere. Special attention must be paid to identifying and tackling hidden, evolving forms of "Four Undesirables," ensuring precise detection, strict enforcement, and timely public disclosure of any misconduct.

Relentlessly tackle the hidden, evolving, and deeply entrenched problems of the "Four Winds."

　　The Second Plenary Session of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection emphasized the need to rigorously investigate and address issues such as the disguised or covert resurgence of the "Four Undesirables." This is an important directive issued by the Party Central Committee, reflecting its keen understanding of the current stage-specific characteristics in strengthening Party conduct. Preventing and addressing these hidden, subtle, and evolving problems must be treated as a critical task in tackling the "Four Undesirables," requiring unwavering vigilance, relentless enforcement, sustained efforts, and resolute measures to firmly curb any resurgence of unhealthy tendencies.

　　Always remain vigilant against the hidden risks and subtle shifts of the "Four Undesirables," resolutely fighting both tough battles and protracted ones. Thanks to the sustained efforts over the past decade—often described as "sharpening a sword for ten years"—the "Four Undesirables" that once lurked right under the eyes of officials and the public have significantly diminished. As a result, Party conduct and government integrity have been dramatically refreshed, earning back both the trust of Party members and the support of the people. However, certain unhealthy tendencies persist—stubbornly entrenched and intricately concealed, often disguised in new guises and lurking in the shadows, doing everything possible to evade scrutiny. This not only highlights how the space for these "Four Undesirables" continues to shrink under relentless anti-corruption pressure but also underscores just how challenging it is to fundamentally transform societal norms and behaviors. Today, the phenomenon of "Four Undesirables" subtly mutating and reappearing has become a major obstacle—almost a "roadblock" or "stumbling block"—to fully embedding the spirit of the Central Committee's Eight-Point Regulations into everyday practice. If left unchecked, this could easily lead to a resurgence of unhealthy practices, undermining the hard-won progress we've made. To curb the growing audacity of these hidden, ever-evolving "Four Undesirables," we must summon unwavering determination and deploy effective, decisive measures. The harder the challenge, the more resolutely we must press forward—tackling even the toughest issues with unyielding resolve, wielding "iron teeth" to tackle "hard bones." We must deliver powerful, no-holds-barred blows, leaving no room for compromise or evasion, ensuring that any trace of corruption or misconduct is eradicated once and for all. There can be no room for complacency; we must prevent old evils from reviving while firmly blocking the emergence of new ones.

　　Grasping the evolving patterns and characteristics of the "Four Winds"—namely, their hidden, subtle, and ever-changing manifestations—is crucial for effectively addressing and rectifying these issues by tackling key areas and root causes. From the perspectives of oversight and disciplinary enforcement, investigative research, and feedback from officials and the public, we’ve observed that in recent years, the problem of "Four Winds" has been quietly spreading underground, undergoing transformations to evade detection, and even adopting increasingly sophisticated methods. This underscores the need for in-depth analysis and a clear understanding of both the most prominent symptoms and emerging trends, enabling targeted efforts to tackle these challenges head-on. One defining feature of these hidden, elusive issues is their tendency to operate covertly—whether through secretive venues, opaque financial practices, or clandestine operational channels. For instance, violations often surface in seemingly innocuous settings such as internal canteens, upscale residential complexes, or rural farmhouses, where improper dining and entertainment occur under the guise of legitimate activities. Similarly, some individuals manipulate expenses to siphon public funds illicitly, while others exploit delivery services to secretly exchange gifts—a practice that demands vigilant monitoring and decisive action. Another critical aspect is the insidious nature of these problems, which frequently masquerade as routine work-related activities. For example, some organizations use ostensibly legitimate party-building or union events, along with training sessions and inspection tours, as fronts for unauthorized public-funded travel. Others cynically leverage the rhetoric of "implementation" to justify excessive, arbitrary actions. Still others tout lofty goals like "promoting development," yet their real agenda boils down to pursuing personal political gains or advancing self-serving "achievement projects." In such cases, it’s essential to cultivate "sharp eyes"—to see beyond superficial appearances and discern the true essence of these behaviors—enabling us to accurately identify and rigorously address any violations. Perhaps most troubling is the deep-seated connection between these hidden, adaptive issues and broader corruption networks. Investigations reveal that many of these concealed practices are not merely about indulging in luxury or extravagance; rather, they serve a more sinister purpose: maintaining exclusive "circles" and securing illicit benefits. Indeed, numerous instances of illicit power-for-money deals and mutual exchanges of favors have been uncovered precisely within these covert, shadowy environments. To combat this menace effectively, we must adopt an unwavering stance of "zero tolerance," coupled with resolute, no-holds-barred enforcement measures. Only by simultaneously stamping out corruption and addressing all forms of misconduct can we hope to eradicate these deeply entrenched, pernicious problems once and for all.

　　By integrating supervision and investigation, system improvement, and Party-building education into a unified approach, we are employing comprehensive strategies to tackle the elusive issue of hidden corruption and misconduct. Addressing this pervasive problem requires more than just short-term measures—it demands unwavering clarity and determination, driving forward systemic reforms with a holistic mindset. We must sharpen our ability to detect these issues by continuously refining proven practices such as unannounced inspections, undercover investigations, and巡视巡察 (inspection tours). Building on the success of initiatives like "Examining Conduct Through Cases," we will thoroughly investigate not only the individual involved but also uncover any related clues involving others. Leveraging the "office-team-local" collaborative mechanism, we’ll ensure rigorous handling of each case according to established cadre management protocols. At the same time, we’re firmly advancing "smart oversight," harnessing cutting-edge information technologies and leveraging data from relevant functional departments. By analyzing vast datasets, we can identify even the most subtle traces of hidden misconduct. Meanwhile, we’re strengthening institutional safeguards by deeply understanding the prominent manifestations and root causes of these elusive issues. This involves meticulously examining existing systemic weaknesses and bridging gaps in our regulatory frameworks. Crucially, we’ll link disciplinary actions directly to broader efforts aimed at deepening reform, perfecting systems, and enhancing governance—effectively eradicating the breeding ground for "Four Winds" (formalism, bureaucratism, hedonism, and extravagance) in their hidden, mutating forms. Finally, we’re intensifying efforts to strengthen Party spirit and foster a culture of integrity. This includes reinforcing regular Party and discipline education, vigorously promoting the development of clean-government culture, and guiding Party members and officials to fortify their ideological foundations, staying true to the "Three Musts." By championing virtues like integrity, accountability, and proactive dedication, we’ll cultivate a fresh, upright ethos that dispels outdated, corrupt influences—and, in turn, rally collective strength to powerfully propel our journey toward new goals.