The intensity of corruption in China has been progressively high since the 1980s. This seriously undermines the overall effectiveness of Chinese anti-corruption institutions and policies. This article argues that the existing anti-corruption measures in China have not been working properly to eliminate or even contain the problem at an acceptable level. It seems that something has been holding it back somewhere. This article argues that China badly needs, inter alia, a sincere demonstration of ‘political will’ from the top coupled with the introduction of ‘rule of law’ in the country. Without these two important elements, it will probably be quite difficult for China to achieve an effective anti-corruption mechanism.