Pakistan, June 17 -- In a strict new move, some Chinese civil servants have been banned from dining in groups larger than three. This comes after three officials died since April due to excessive drinking at official banquets, sparking renewed efforts to enforce President Xi Jinping's austerity and anti-corruption policies.

The updated rules, released in May, target Communist Party members and public sector workers. They ban extravagant meals, luxury vehicles, "white elephant" projects, and even decorative plants in meetings. These measures reflect Xi's ongoing focus on clean governance, even if it means restricting personal freedoms.

Following these updates, several provinces introduced tighter local guidelines. In Anhui, officials wer...