China halted the construction of government buildings until 2018 to appease a public unhappy at wasteful and corrupt projects, The New York Times reported. Local authorities are also banned from refurbishing government buildings in the name of urban planning, erecting new hotels or training centers and giving officials multiple offices. The new directive showed clear signs of being a continuation of President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign that has to date included a clampdown on lavish spending on gifts and entertainment. Officials must report on the implementation of the directive by September 30.