China: Xi Jinping ousts another top cadre, Ma Xingrui, amid corruption probe

China's Politburo has expelled Ma Xingrui, the former Communist Party chief of the Xinjiang autonomous region, as part of ongoing corruption investigations. This action follows recent dismissals of a Politburo member, generals, and other high-ranking officials from the National People's Congress in June.

The decision, based on a report from the party's disciplinary commission detailing numerous allegations against Ma, was approved by the Politburo, the de facto governing body led by President Xi Jinping. Investigations, which began in April, have accused the 66-year-old former head of China's space program of nepotism, bribery, and engaging in "power for sex" and "money for sex" exchanges. He is also accused of allowing family members to exploit his position for significant personal gain.

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Family members helped to acquire houses below market value, was involved in 'power for sex' and 'money for sex' exchanges and allowed family members to exploit the influence of his position to gain significant advantages.

According to state media reports, Ma is alleged to have facilitated advantages for others in business dealings, contract awards, and promotions, while illegally accepting substantial amounts of money and valuables. The case is described as "particularly serious," with investigators concluding that Ma had lost his "ideals and political convictions" and betrayed the party's fundamental principles and mission.

The findings of the internal party investigation have been handed over to prosecutors, who will now determine whether to pursue a prison sentence. Ma served as the head of the Communist Party in Xinjiang from 2021 to 2025. During his tenure, authorities in the northwestern region intensified crackdowns on the Uyghur Muslim minority under the guise of counter-terrorism efforts. In 2022, the then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, released a report during Ma's time in office that mentioned possible crimes against humanity in Xinjiang.

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Lost his ideals and political convictions and betrayed the task and basic principles of the party.