Lawlessness at the Pinnacle of Chinese Political Power

State media reported that China's high-ranking military officers will no longer be treated to receptions featuring liquor and luxury banquets.

As the country's new leaders stress austerity to fight corruption.

Report Says Sexual Assaults at US Military Academies 'Steadily Escalating' Since 2009
New insight into the rising number of sexual assaults in the United States was given by a new report.

The state-run China Daily newspaper, quoting a dispatch from the official Xinhua news agency, said the Central Military Commission announced the new regulations on Friday.

Similar rules were passed down earlier this month aimed at Communist Party officials, as China's new leadership tries to send a clear signal that it is serious about reigning in corruption.

The report said that "receptions for high-ranking officers will no longer feature liquor or luxury banquets", with "welcome banners, red carpets, floral arrangements, formations of soldiers, performances and souvenirs" also to be abandoned.

Secret Military Tests in Britain Poisoned or Blew Up Nearly 10,000 Animals Last Year
Defense ministry in Britain revealed that almost 10,000 animals, including rabbits, monkeys and pigs, were killed either by being blown up or through anthrax poisoning.

The Central Military Commission is chaired by new Communist Party chief Xi Jinping, who took over the party and the commission at a key party meeting last month.

"Commission officials are also required to discipline their spouses, children and subordinates and make sure they do not take bribes," the report said, adding that commission officials were banned from staying in civilian or luxury military hotels while on inspection tours.

Union Cabinet Clears Construction of a New Military Hospital in Pune
The construction of a new multi-storied Command Hospital Complex in Pune has been finally approved by the union cabinet.

Xi, who is slated to become China's president in March, has repeatedly pledged to fight graft amid rising social discontent over government corruption and political scandals that have engulfed the Communist Party.

China's political transition this year was tarnished by the case of disgraced politician Bo Xilai, whose wife was convicted of murdering a British businessman.

Military Veterans With History of Heavy Alcohol Use More Likely to Seek Treatment: Research
Male military veterans with a history of heavy alcohol use are more likely to seek treatment than their civilian counterparts says research.

Bo is awaiting trial for corruption and abuse of power after allegedly using police in Chongqing city where he ruled to remove political opponents and dissidents, practices that are routine in China.

The scandal unveiled rampant graft and lawlessness at the pinnacle of Chinese political power.

Source-AFP