Xi pledges 'sweeping victory' in anti-corruption

The Communist Party of China (CPC) opens the 19th National Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 18, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua/Lan Hongguang]

The Communist Party of China (CPC) will secure a "sweeping victory" in its fight against corruption to avoid the historical cycle of rise and fall, Xi Jinping said Wednesday at the opening of the 19th CPC National Congress.

Calling corruption "the greatest threat" the Party faces, Xi said the fight against corruption never ends and currently remains grave and complex. "We must remain as firm as a rock in our resolve to build on the overwhelming momentum and secure a sweeping victory," he said.

Xi reaffirmed the Party's zero tolerance for corruption, saying both those who take bribes and those who offer them will be punished and interest groups will be prevented from arising within the Party.

Xi also said wherever offenders may flee, they shall be brought back and brought to justice.