Thousands of Chinese officials faced corruption allegations in 2023

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Thousands of officials, including high-ranking officers, faced disciplinary action for alleged corruption in China last year, the Daily South China Morning Post reported Tuesday.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the country’s top anti-corruption body, said 110,000 Chinese Communist Party officials faced disciplinary action for corruption.

The numbers “represent a 13% increase in cases compared with the previous year,” said the newspaper.

Among those who faced probes were 45 senior officials, “a record number.”

The revelations come as China abruptly sacked two top ministers last year, including Defense Chief Li Shangfu, who is allegedly facing a corruption probe.

Late Monday, Beijing announced the removal of a renowned rocket force scientist from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Wang Xiaojun led the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology and his removal is seen as connected to the dismissal of Li, along with three senior Chinese aerospace-defense executives alongside five former or currently serving leaders of the force.

China’s fight against corruption under President Xi Jinping has seen high-level officials sacked and punished, and many executed.

Early this month, Xi said the party must continue to fight graft and other problems with “tenacity, perseverance and precision” to transcend “the historical cycle of rise and fall.”

More than 41,000 officials failed to properly carry out their duties by “failing to take responsibility” or “paying lip service” to their orders, according to the anti-corruption body.

About 40,000 officials faced accusations of “receiving expensive gifts, money or attending lavish meals and celebrations.”

Thousands received punishment for issuing or receiving benefits without approval.​​​​​​​