China’s Communist Party to Expand Oversight Across Tech, Digital Platforms

China’s ruling Communist Party will expand “party building” across the country’s technology sector under a document adopted at the fifth plenum of the 20th Central Committee.

Party building in the technology sector

The document says the party will step up its presence across the tech sector and deploy digital tools to fight corruption.

The move is part of a wider effort to extend party oversight into areas linked to technology, the internet and digital platforms.

The document was formally approved on Thursday at the conclusion of the fifth plenum, according to the text.

Digital platforms for supervision

The tools listed in the document include a digital discipline inspection platform and a big-data supervision platform.

The party will also crack down on corruption involving the internet, virtual currency, cross-border funds and blockchain technology, according to the document.

The measure specifically names cryptocurrency, cross-border funds and blockchain technology among the areas covered by the anti-corruption drive.

The document therefore links party-building work in the tech sector with digital supervision and investigations into financial and technology-related corruption.

Xi Jinping Thought codified

The document also formally codified “Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building” as the defining blueprint for the party’s long-term governance.

State news agency Xinhua released the full text on Sunday.

The document was described as an ideological milestone in the report on the plenum.

Source: South China Morning Post