China outlaws extravagant banquets

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.