China's resource-rich regions hit hardest by Xi's anti-corruption campaign

China's extensive anti-corruption campaign, a signature initiative of President Xi Jinping, has disproportionately targeted regions rich in natural resources, according to a major data project by the South China Morning Post. These areas, often characterized by desolate landscapes and sparse populations, harbor abundant mineral wealth crucial to the world's second-largest economy.

The research, which examined official records of high-ranking officials, known as "tigers," investigated by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) between 2013 and 2025, reveals a strong correlation between resource wealth and deep-seated corruption. The findings suggest that Beijing is actively working to prevent these regions from falling victim to the so-called "resource curse," a phenomenon where abundant natural resources can lead to economic stagnation and corruption.

Provinces such as Jiangxi, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, and Hebei, which are rich in minerals, top the list for the number of senior officials sacked for corruption during the decade-long crackdown. This focus on resource-rich areas underscores the government's efforts to tackle corruption at its roots, particularly in regions where such wealth has historically been linked to illicit activities and power abuse.