The country's crusade against corruption has turned so expansive in recent years that reports of even public servants at the ministerial level being sacked for corruption no longer raises eyebrows.

In each of the past years, we found some bigwigs fall into the net of the disciplinary authorities of the Communist Party of China, on corruption charges.

All this leads to a stronger popular belief that the CPC is getting really tough on the corrupt.

The CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the Party's and the country's most effective corruption buster so far, has worked hard and achieved a lot in handling one of the most prominent sources of public indignation. From its toils we see the clear awareness and consistent resolve of the President and CPC General Secretary Hu Jintao cited on Tuesday while addressing a CCDI event.

President Hu made a sensible point calling for awareness of the complexity, difficulty and long-term nature of the fight against corruption. We cannot do away with such an evil in just one stroke. We have to prepare for a long campaign that may be full of twists and turns. And there has to be no turning back.

We all hope to see the CCDI apply the toughest blows against corrupt elements. Their existence has not only tarnished the Party's image and credibility, but greatly discounted its pledge to deliver good governance.

But no matter how much more diligent and energetic it is, the CCDI has its limitations.

A more efficient way to do it lies in President Hu's proposal to restrain powers. Corruption occurs where public power is not subject to effective oversight. The remedy then is to make sure it is placed under scrutiny.

Putting limits to public powers is no doubt a tricky job, especially when vested interests are involved. But it is worth the pains if we are truly after a long-term solution.

(China Daily January 17, 2008)