Wu Guanzheng, a senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC), called for strict party discipline and advancing the anti-corruption drive during an inspection tour of central China's Hunan Province.

"A clean, upright and united team of cadres is an important basis for social harmony and stability," said Wu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, during the tour from April 8 to 12.

Wu, who is also secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, chatted with cadres and villagers during a trip to the countryside to learn about party-building at grassroots and transparency of village affairs.

He also visited enterprises, a government service center and a hospital.

Wu stressed strictly enforcement of party discipline to ensure orders were carried out smoothly and to continue implementation of the "scientific concept of development".

He said this year and next would see the expiration of terms of regional CPC committees and new elections. Leaders should abide by the results and the rules in appointing officials.

(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2006)