Politics: China's latest propaganda tool is a collection of custom GIFs — this is what they look like

After trying patriotic music clips, apps and cartoons, China has made 16 custom GIFs.

China's top discipline watchdog has released a collection of cartoon GIFs reminding citizens of the anti-corruption rules officials must follow.

The set of 16 GIFs were released this week as a package of stickers available to download and share on WeChat.

Called the "Eight Rules Expression Package," the animated cartoons illustrate very strict rules on officials' behavior that have become more visible this year amid a crackdown on corruption and society at large.

China's government has previously released propaganda videos, apps and cartoons to promote its agenda, but this appears to be the first collection of GIFs.

Check out the custom GIFs below.

China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) created the GIFs.

Source: China Daily

The launch coincided with the five-year anniversary of China's "Eight Provisions" that aim to close the gap between people and officials.

Source: China Daily

The rules are part of an effort to cut down on bureaucracy and lavish spending.

Source: China Daily

The rules specifically require the need for efficient meetings, cutting red tape and ending traffic-control when party officials travel by car, to stop inconveniencing the public.

Source: China Daily

The organization that made the GIFs is also the government's anti-corruption watchdog.

Source: China Daily

Xi has cracked down on corruption since becoming president.

Source: China Daily

And the anti-graft effort ramped up even further in 2017.

Source: China Daily

In the first six months of the year, 210,000 people were punished by the watchdog.

Source: People's Daily

Several top party officials have also been targeted.

Source: China Daily

One official was referred to the courts for "seeking privileges" and being "bureaucratic and lazy at work."

Source: The Diplomat

The crackdown has helped Xi become China's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.

Source: China Daily

A Beijing official said the new GIFs were "our effort to innovate the way to convey serious subjects to readers.”

Source: China Daily

State-run China Daily said the GIFs have been used by millions of people.

Source: South China Morning Post

The party didn't rule out adding to the collection of GIFs in the future.

Source: China Daily

The Chinese government also said "Users are welcome to download, collect and forward" the GIFs.

Source: China Daily

The party also hopes the cartoons will "narrow the distance between netizens and the supervisory bodies."

Source: China Daily

After trying patriotic music clips, apps and cartoons, China has made 16 custom GIFs. Read Full Story