The Chinese government is now cracking down on official gala's.

 

　　It is widely believed to be another step taken by the central government to cut back on extravagance and waste.

 

　　CRI's Su Yi has more.

 

　　A new circular from the central authorities is ordering all departments bring luxurious and extravagant galas to a halt.

 

　　It says galas that are organized with public funds and are held just to show off an extravagant production have damaged the image of the government.

 

　　The notice says no government funds should be used to hold commercial galas or host high-cost entertainers.

 

　　Those that violate the new regulations will face harsh penalties.

 

　　Chinese central authorities introduced a slew of measures since late last year designed to eliminate bureaucracy and extravagance.

 

　　Officials have been told to end the practice of holding fancy banquets, delivering stultifying speeches or staging grand welcomes from local people – just name a few.

 

　　The latest government circular is reiterating the principal of those regulations, urging officials to make "down-to-earth efforts" to "reverse the trend of pursing luxury".

 

　　For CRI, I'm Su Yi.