Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a sharp warning to party functionaries during the 5th plenary session of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), pointing to growing manifestations of "two-facedness" within the leadership ranks. A fragment of his speech was published by the journal Qiushi ahead of the 5th plenum of the 20th Central Committee. According to Xi Jinping, "two-faced" officials outwardly demonstrate subordination but in reality counteract directives, put personal gain above collective interest, form factions, and eliminate dissidents.
Strict Personnel Screening and Zero Tolerance for Corruption
In connection with the commencement of work by local party committees, Xi Jinping demanded the introduction of a strict personnel screening process to guarantee that "two-faced" individuals do not pass through the appointment procedure. He separately emphasized that the problem of corruption remains relevant and "easily arises." "Regardless of who they are, what their position is, or what their contribution is, corruption is absolutely impermissible," the Chinese leader stated, reaffirming his determination to fight corruption regardless of office held or merits before the party.
Wave of Investigations Against High-Ranking Functionaries
Just 12 days after Xi Jinping's speech, Chinese authorities announced the launch of investigations into Zhang Youxia, former vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Liu Zhenli, former chief of the Joint Staff Department. This week, former Chongqing Mayor Huang Qifan—who served under six different city party secretaries and survived political upheavals following the convictions of Bo Xilai and Sun Zhengcai for corruption—also received a notification of investigation.
2026: A Campaign on a Larger Scale Than 2025
Compared to 2025, the 2026 anti-corruption campaign is expected to be larger in scale, both in terms of the number of high-ranking officials and the value of assets involved. To date, investigations have been conducted into 54 officials subordinate to the central government, compared to 65 for the entirety of 2025. The number of ministerial-level officials under investigation has risen from eight to ten, with two cases involving vice chairmen—Zhang Youxia and Ma Xingrui—compared to one case last year (He Weidong). According to Sing Tao newspaper, at an average pace of about five people per month, the final total for 2026 may exceed last year's figure.
Record Asset Seizures and Prospects for 2027
Among those convicted in 2025, the case of former Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Tang Renjian recorded related assets totaling 268 million yuan (about $40 million). By 2026, in the case of former Hubei Provincial Party Committee Secretary Jiang Chaoliang, this figure rose to 746 million yuan (approximately $112 million). Analysts expect anti-corruption pressure to persist into 2027 to address lingering violations and stabilize the personnel situation ahead of the 21st National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party scheduled for the autumn of that year.
