China's powerful anti-corruption watchdog has launched a disciplinary review and supervisory investigation into Ma Xingrui, a member of the elite Politburo, marking a significant escalation in the nation's ongoing campaign against graft within the highest echelons of power. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection announced the probe on Friday, stating Ma is suspected of "serious violation of law and discipline," though no specific details regarding the case were disclosed.
Third Politburo Member Under Scrutiny
Ma Xingrui becomes the third sitting member of the Politburo to be investigated during the current leadership term that commenced in 2022, underscoring the intensity of President Xi Jinping's signature anti-corruption drive. This investigation follows the probe of another Politburo member and China's top general, Zhang Youxia, which was initiated in January. The expulsion of He Weidong from the ruling Communist Party for corruption last year had already reduced the Politburo's membership from 24 to 23, with Ma and Zhang now remaining members in name only as their investigations progress.
Ma's Recent Absences and Removal
Ma's most recent public appearance was documented at the Communist Party Central Committee's Fourth Plenum in late October. Since that event, he has been conspicuously absent from state broadcaster footage of several key political gatherings, including the annual parliament meeting held last month. Furthermore, Ma was removed from his position as Xinjiang party chief in July, with Chen Xiaojiang, former executive deputy minister of the United Front Work Department, appointed as his successor in the region.
Broader Anti-Corruption Campaign Context
Government anti-corruption drives have been a cornerstone policy of Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he assumed power in 2012, resulting in the purge of thousands of officials, including high-profile political rivals. Analysts note that while the campaign enjoys public popularity, it has also been strategically utilized to enforce loyalty to Xi among party and government officials. In a related development from June 2024, China announced that former defence minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor Wei Fenghe had been expelled from the Communist Party over corruption charges, highlighting the campaign's reach into military leadership.
The investigation into Ma Xingrui, who also serves as deputy leader of the central rural work leading group, signals China's continued commitment to rooting out corruption within its decision-making bodies, even at the highest levels of the Politburo. As the probe unfolds, it remains a pivotal test of the anti-graft watchdog's authority and the enduring impact of Xi's comprehensive clean-up initiative.
