国内英语新闻:China issues rules to prevent officials meddling in real estate affairs

BEIJING, May 17 (Xinhua) -- China's disciplinary watchdog has released a set of rules outlining punishment for Party members in leading positions meddling in the real estate industry, in an effort to uproot corruption in the field.

The rules, issued by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China (CPC), say "meddling in construction-related fields" refers to officials abusing their power by directly or indirectly asking departments to affect construction projects' normal procedures.

Such acts include meddling in projects' decision-making process, public bidding and approval of transfer of land use.

The construction sector is susceptible to corruption. Many officials have stepped down after being caught colluding with business owners and real estate developers.