---
title: "Xi Jinping Demands Eradication of \"Two-Faced\" Officials: China's Anti-Corruption Campaign Gathers Pace"
description: "Xi Jinping has demanded the eradication of \"two-faced\" officials, stating that corruption is impermissible regardless of position. In 2026, investigations into 54 central functionaries have already been conducted."
date: 2026-10-16T21:47:35.149Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/xi-jinping-two-faced-officials-anti-corruption-2026
tags: [china, xi-jinping, anti-corruption, cpc, cpi-discipline-inspection, zhang-youxia, huang-cifan]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Xi Jinping Demands Eradication of "Two-Faced" Officials: China's Anti-Corruption Campaign Gathers Pace

![Chinese President Xi Jinping speaking at an anti-corruption meeting against a red banner](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/16/si-czjinpin-dvulichnye-chinovniki-antikorrupciya-2026/si-czjinpin-dvulichnye-chinovniki-antikorrupciya-2026-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Xi Jinping pointed to manifestations of "two-facedness" among officials at a CCDI meeting and demanded strict personnel screening
- Just 12 days after the speech, investigations were launched against Zhang Youxia, Liu Zhenli, and Huang Qifan
- In 2026, investigations have already been conducted against 54 central functionaries, compared to 65 for all of 2025
- The value of seized assets in Jiang Chaoliang's case reached 746 million yuan, 2.8 times the 2025 record
- The anti-corruption campaign is expected to continue into 2027 ahead of the 21st CPC Congress

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.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Председатель Си Цзиньпин предостерегает чиновников от «двуличия»; число высокопоставленных чиновников, находящихся под следствием, растет.](https://www.vietnam.vn/ru/ong-tap-can-binh-canh-bao-can-bo-hai-mat-so-quan-chuc-cap-cao-bi-dieu-tra-tang-cao) - The primary source contains all key facts: Xi Jinping's speech at the CCDI, investigations into Zhang Youxia, Liu Zhenli, and Huang Qifan, the 54/65 official statistics, asset sums of 268 and 746 million yuan, and the 2027 outlook. The only error is mentioning Vietnam instead of China in connection with the 21st Congress.

## FAQ

### What exactly did Xi Jinping define as manifestations of officials being "two-faced"?

According to him, manifestations of "two-facedness" include outward subordination while actually opposing directives, prioritizing personal gain over collective interest, forming factions, and eliminating dissidents.

### Which high-ranking officials faced investigation following Xi Jinping's speech?

Twelve days after the address, investigations were launched against Zhang Youxia (former CMC vice chairman) and Liu Zhenli (former Joint Staff chief). This week, former Chongqing Mayor Huang Qifan received a notice.

### What is the statistics of the 2026 anti-corruption campaign compared to 2025?

To date, investigations have targeted 54 central officials, compared to 65 for the whole of 2025. Ministerial-level officials under investigation grew from 8 to 10, including two vice-chairmen cases.

### What asset amounts were seized in the largest cases?

In 2025, Tang Renjian's case involved 268 million yuan (~$40 million). In 2026, Jiang Chaoliang's case reached 746 million yuan (~$112 million).