China's Central Military Commission has taken over control of the People's Liberation Army auditing office, a move that is expected to greatly enhance supervision of the army and its modernization programs.

The official Xinhua News Agency reported that President Xi Jinping ordered the move, in his dual role as chairman of the CMC, China's foremost military decision-making and command structure.

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The auditing office was formerly under the PLA's General Logistics Department.

On March 31, Gu Junshan, former deputy head of the logistics department, was prosecuted for embezzlement, bribery, misuse of state funds and abuse of power. The CMC itself has embarked on an unprecedented campaign to fight corruption in the military, and has investigated several senior military officers, among them Xu Caihou, former vice-chairman of the CMC. Xu was accused of having used his influence to help a few acquaintances make monetary profits from business in the military, and taking a large number of bribes in return for favors.

With the CMC running the auditing office, the latter now enjoys a more independent status as an authority, according to Xinhua.

"This is a major decision made by Chairman Xi and the CMC in an effort to strengthen the army and tighten auditing and supervision over the military's economic activities. It's also a key measure to deepen national defense and military reform as well as to push forward the innovation of the army's auditing system," the Xinhua statement said.

CMC Vice-Chairman Fan Changlong said at Thursday's meeting where the decision was announced that the "modernization of the army and its combat preparation processes are arduous missions."

Fan called on auditing officials to ensure professionalism, efficiency and policy knowledge to contribute to the army's fight against graft.

Last month, the CMC released a circular calling for a revamp leading to results-based management to ensure funds are properly spent and the maximum benefit is realized.

The document said cost control should be an important consideration for the military, and that throughout the military, individuals or units will be held accountable for inefficiency.