Despite the frugality drive against lavish banquets ahead of Chinese New Year next month, the Beijing News says the leadership's crusade against extravagance and wasteful spending could actually drive local officials to be more secretive when spending public funds.

BBC: China round-up: Anti-corruption drive

Despite the frugality drive, officials from Fujian and elsewhere have also revealed to South China Morning Post that local governments are secretly hiring top-notch chefs and sprucing up their canteens to get round the president's ban on extravagant official feasts in restaurants.

BBC: China media: Vietnam row