A senior Chinese official on Thursday urged all inspectors and supervisors who work to root out corruption to learn from their outstanding colleagues.

He Yong, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, told Xinhua that a group of outstanding discipline inspection and supervision officials would be honored at a national conference this weekend.

"Local discipline and supervision officials should learn from the groups and individuals being honored as they work hard to curb corruption," he said.

China's reform and opening-up are entering a crucial phase and building a harmonious society requires long-term and arduous efforts, said He, calling on local officials to expand their knowledge on economics, science, administration as well as politics in order to improve their work.

He also urged discipline departments to strengthen anti-corruption education of officials, properly deal with serious corruption cases, and protect people's interests.

A hundred local discipline inspection and supervision departments and 180 officials will be awarded by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Supervision at the conference, which is held every five years.

Another 299 officials will also be rewarded for their hard work by the commission and the supervision ministry.

China has been fighting official corruption and has punished a number of corrupt high-ranking officials.

Before the New Year, China urged local officials to practise self-discipline and avoid corruption during the upcoming Spring Festival, which falls on February 18.

"All Party officials must have a healthy, civilized and thrifty Spring Festival and holiday activities should be economical," said the commission in a circular last month.

(Xinhua News Agency January 5, 2007)