Brothels off limits

Chinese communist cadres are being told to scorn prostitutes and avoid "vulgar" places of entertainment, in the latest bid to boost decaying morality and rein in corruption.

Li Yuanchao, head of the organisation department that controls personnel appointments, warned that officials could receive black marks in their behavioral assessments for visiting hostess bars, the state-run China News Service said.

Officials must avoid such temptations, since they are often a gateway to corruption and abuse of power and harm the image of the party and its cadres, Li said.