China targets face of international space cooperation in corruption crackdown

China's anti-corruption campaign has targeted Bian Zhigang, a high-ranking official in the defense industry, who is now under investigation for alleged corruption. Bian holds significant positions as the deputy head of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND) and deputy director of the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), China's top anti-corruption body, announced that Bian is suspected of "serious violations of discipline and law," the standard phrasing used for corruption and bribery investigations. His investigation marks the latest in a series of high-profile probes within China's defense and space sectors.

Bian has spent a substantial part of his career at SASTIND, an agency crucial for coordinating the research, development, and production of various military equipment, including nuclear, aerospace, aviation, and shipbuilding technologies. He was appointed to his deputy head role at SASTIND in February 2024. Following the announcement of his investigation, his profile was removed from official government websites.

The crackdown on corruption within the military and defense industry underscores Beijing's efforts to address malfeasance and ensure integrity in sectors critical to national security and technological advancement.

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serious violations of discipline and law