Chinese Leader Xi Jinping Vows to Escalate Anti-Corruption Campaign

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
09/01/2024 21h02

In a recent meeting of the Communist Party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), Chinese leader Xi Jinping declared his determination to further intensify the country's anti-corruption campaign. Xi announced plans to target industries such as finance, energy, and infrastructure, as he vowed to go after both high-ranking officials, known as "tigers," and lower-level cadres, referred to as "flies." This marks an expansion of the campaign that has already swept across the ruling Communist Party, the government, the military, and state-owned companies.

During the meeting, Xi stressed the need to address "hidden risks" and increase punishments for those found guilty of offering bribes. Although the anti-corruption campaign has achieved significant success over the past decade, Xi acknowledged that the situation remains complex. He emphasized that there can be no compromise or slacking in the battle against corruption.

Xi outlined his plans to "deepen the rectification of corruption" in power-concentrated, capital-intensive, and resource-rich sectors. He further expressed the party's commitment to punishing even the smallest instances of corruption to ensure that the masses feel the impact of the campaign.

This latest announcement comes as Xi's signature project to combat corruption continues to evolve. The focus will now shift toward state-owned enterprises, including the pharmaceutical sector. The Chinese leader highlighted the urgency of addressing systemic corruption within the economy, considering it a top priority.

With the Chinese economy facing a structural slowdown characterized by weak demand, rising unemployment, and dwindling business confidence, the anti-corruption efforts aim to restore trust and stability. Xi's remarks come on the heels of the removal of nine military figures from the country's legislature, indicating that the campaign is ongoing within the military.

Furthermore, the recent ousting of Tang Shuangning, the ex-chairman and party chief of the China Everbright Group, exemplifies the determination to root out corruption. The CCDI accused Tang of "abandoning his duties," failing to address financial risks, and accepting bribes. Tang's case will now be forwarded to prosecutors for further review and potential prosecution.

The anti-corruption campaign has also targeted prominent figures in China's financial system, including Liu Liange, the former chairman of state-owned Bank of China, and Wang Bin, the former head of state-owned China Life Insurance. These developments exemplify the Chinese government's resolve to cleanse the country's institutions of corruption and foster a fair and transparent business environment.

As Xi Jinping recommits to the fight against corruption, it is clear that this campaign remains a crucial aspect of his leadership and his vision for a prosperous and stable China.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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