Hu Jintao on Thursday asked leading officials of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to exercise strict self-discipline and strengthen supervision over their families and staff.

"Leading officials at all levels, especially high-ranking officials, must readily observe the code of conduct on clean governance and report all important matters," Hu said in a keynote speech at the opening of the CPC's 18th National Congress.

"They should both exercise strict self-discipline and strengthen education and supervision over their families and their staff; and they should never seek any privilege," Hu said.

The CPC should ensure that strict procedures are followed in the exercise of power, and tighten oversight over the exercise of power by leading officials, especially principal leading officials, he said.

Hu said combating corruption and promoting political integrity, which is a major political issue of great concern to the people, is a clear-cut and long-term political commitment of the Party.

"If we fail to handle this issue well, it could prove fatal to the Party, and even cause the collapse of the Party and the fall of the state," he said.

Hu said the CPC must make unremitting efforts to combat corruption, promote integrity and stay vigilant against degeneration.

The CPC should deepen reform of key areas and crucial links, improve the system of anti-corruption laws, prevent and manage risks to clean government, avoid conflict of interests, prevent and fight corruption more effectively and in a more scientific way, and increase international anti-corruption cooperation, he said.

Hu said the CPC must maintain a tough position in cracking down on corruption at all times, conduct thorough investigations into major corruption cases and work hard to resolve problems of corruption that directly affect the people.

"All those who violate Party discipline and state laws, whoever they are and whatever power or official positions they have, must be brought to justice without mercy," he said.

More in special coverage: