An academic in China is calling on the government to change the law so that Communist Party and government officials can be prosecuted for accepting so-called sexual bribes.

The academic, from China's Nanjing University, says businessmen and criminals are increasingly providing prostitutes to officials in return for favours instead of cash or gifts.

China currently has no law to punish such practices.

The fact that large numbers of government officials in China use the services of prostitutes is hardly news, nor is the idea that many government officials are corrupt.

But according to Professor Jin Weidong of Nanjing University, putting the two things together has created a new crime - sexual bribery.

Tough penalties

In a report published by Chinese state media, Professor Jin claims more and more criminals and businessmen in China are gaining favours from government officials by providing them with young women.

Officials who accept bribes of money or gifts face harsh penalties, even the death sentence.