China Expands Anti-Corruption Purge as Emergencies Minister Faces Investigation
China’s anti-corruption campaign has expanded to another senior official, with Emergencies Minister Wang Xiangxi placed under investigation by the ruling Communist Party’s top watchdog.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said it had launched a probe into Wang for «serious violations of discipline and law» — a phrase commonly used in China to signal suspected corruption or abuse of power. Wang, 63, has served as minister of emergency management since July 2022, after previously heading the state-owned National Energy Investment Corporation.
The move is the latest in a widening purge of high-ranking officials under President Xi Jinping, reinforcing his long-running anti-corruption drive. In recent weeks, China’s defence establishment has also come under scrutiny, with investigations announced into senior military figures, including top generals within the People’s Liberation Army.
Chinese authorities rarely disclose detailed charges during such investigations. However, official military media have described the latest probes as a major enforcement of loyalty to Xi’s leadership, particularly the «Chairman Responsibility System,» which centralises military decision-making in the president’s hands.
Analysts say the latest round of investigations may be linked to internal disagreements over China’s military preparedness and long-term strategy, including Beijing’s stated ambition to be ready to assert control over Taiwan by 2027. While the purges could disrupt institutions in the short term, observers note they are likely to further consolidate Xi’s authority by replacing sidelined officials with loyalists.
China recorded a record number of senior officials under investigation last year, underscoring both the scale of the anti-corruption campaign and growing concerns among critics about transparency, internal cohesion and the concentration of power at the top of the political system.
From economics and politics to business, technology and culture, Kursiv Uzbekistan brings you key news and in-depth analysis from Uzbekistan and around the world. To stay up to date and get the latest stories in real time, follow our Telegram channel.
