China's State Council, or the central government, has asked local governments to refrain from spending big sums of money on celebrities for their performances in government-held celebrations.

The office of the State Council responsible for rectifying malpractice gave the order in a national conference held on Tuesday.

It has been a popular practice in China to boost the popularity of an event with the participation of celebrities, whom organizers may pay as much as 100,000 yuan for their "appearance".

Local governments should also control the number and scale of such celebrations and crack down on those who seek benefits from them or whose malpractice has led to accidents or negative social influences, said an official with the office.

The office has also ordered local governments to put a stop to extravagant activities such as over-expending public receptions, tourism at public expense or constructing luxurious office buildings.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2007)