World News

China outlaws extravagant banquets

Chinese soldiers practice honor guard duties ahead of President Juan Manuel Santos's visit to Beijing on May 9, 2012. UPI/Stephen Shaver

License photo

Published: Dec. 22, 2012 at 8:14 AM

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- China has banned state-funded banquets for top military officials in an effort to curb extravagance and corruption, officials said.

Until Friday, elaborate banquets with red carpets and liquor were common during receptions for high-ranking military officials, the BBC reported.

The Central Military Commission, however, said that must change. On Dec. 4, the committee passed a law that bans extravagance at such receptions.

The receptions will be free of welcome banners, red carpets, floral arrangements, formations of soldiers, performances, souvenirs, banquets and alcohol, China's official state-run Xinhua new agency reported.

Most Popular Collections

'Star Trek Into Darkness' screening	NBC upfronts	Met Ball 2013
'Great Gatsby' premieres in New York	Spire raised on top of One WTC	2013: Celebrity break ups and divorces

Additional World News Stories
Top News Hacking suspect had been recruited by MI5: friend LONDON, May 25 (UPI) -- Michael Adebolajo, a suspect in the hacking death of a soldier, had been offered a job by a British intelligence service six months before, a friend says. At least 17 children dead in school bus explosion Court bans detention practices by Ariz. sheriff against Latinos Obama asks Americans to honor fallen soldiers on Memorial Day Seven Philippine marines among 11 killed in firefight with insurgents	Entertainment News Disneyland open 24 hours straight to kick off summer ANAHEIM, Calif., May 25 (UPI) -- Disneyland and California Adventure Park in Anaheim kicked off its summer season by staying open for 24 hours straight, park officials said. Prince William excited about impending fatherhood Larry Hagman's granddaughter allegedly stole family jewelry Iranian student at Chicago film school wins Cannes short film prize Russian pays $1.5M to go to space with DiCaprio at Cannes auction
Business News Fatburger to go national with Walmart locations LOS ANGELES, May 25 (UPI) -- A hamburger brand known for its size and its status among celebrities, Fatburger, is about to go national, said the company, which was started in California. Putin calls for stronger intellectual property protection China, Switzerland, sign free-trade pact Putin: Business amnesty bill needs changes Hyundai resumes weekend assembly work	Odd News Teen mugger demands $1 bills from victims NEW YORK, May 25 (UPI) -- New York police said they have arrested a pint-sized 15-year-old who younger boys said mugged them, demanding $1 bills. Warehouse worker buried in pineapple Your Daily Horoscope The almanac Marathoner chases down suspected purse snatcher