Every office has a sign that says "No visitors allowed for New Year greetings."

"No visitors allowed for Tet greetings" is the sign placed in front of the Central Organizing Committee's office, which was reported by the press on February 1st. The sign attracted attention not because it was located in the agency directly responsible for the Party's personnel organization work, but more importantly, because it clearly expresses a stance against the "problem of Tet gifts."

A few years ago, when the Party Central Committee issued a directive banning the giving of Tet gifts to superiors, I eagerly asked a professor, "Do you support this policy?" The professor calmly replied, "Of course I support it, I strongly support it." Then he smiled, "But whether it can be implemented is the important thing. Culture and tradition are hard to abandon. The only sad thing is that people are distorting traditional culture, seeing Tet gift-giving as an opportunity for personal gain."

On the eve of the 12th National Party Congress, the Central Committee organized training courses for prospective senior officials. I remember that afternoon was also close to Tet (Lunar New Year). As soon as the course ended, a reporter from the television station raised the issue of the policy "banning Tet gifts for superiors." Strangely, every delegate smiled subtly. They politely declined, saying, "Excuse me, I'm busy, maybe another time!"

Yes, perhaps things that are traditional or part of the culture are really hard to give up.

Therefore, before the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Dog, the Party and Government issued strict directives prohibiting the giving of Tet gifts to superiors.

The Party Central Committee and the Government have issued directives and telegrams requiring ministries, localities, and units to absolutely refrain from organizing visits to leaders to offer New Year greetings; strictly prohibiting the giving of New Year gifts to superiors, and superiors "taking advantage" of subordinates in any form; and strictly prohibiting the use of public funds, vehicles, and assets for personal activities during Tet... The directive also requiresgentlemenCentral Committee members, heads of departments, and leading and managing officials at all levels must be truly exemplary and seriously take the lead.

Changing a habit isn't easy, but if superiors set a good example, subordinates have no reason to deliberately disobey.

"No visitors allowed for New Year's greetings" - a small sign, but one with great significance. The "problem of New Year's gifts" not only disrupts traffic and makes city dwellers dread the holiday, but it can also disrupt social relationships. Many wrongdoings can stem from this.

Prior to the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Dog, many ministries, departments, and localities issued official documents, in black and white, demanding strict implementation of central government directives, prohibiting the use of public funds, resources, and assets for Tet activities that violate regulations. Alongside this, inspection and monitoring activities were carried out to detect and promptly address violations.

But perhaps the most popular solution is to put up a notice board in front of the office because it makes people feel awkward when coming to give gifts or offer New Year greetings.

The commune looks to the district, the district looks to the province, and the province looks to the central government. And the central government has shown strong determination throughout the past year, "matching words with actions."