Xi Jinping's anti-corruption drive continues: 20 high-ranking officials purged in Q1

China's ongoing anti-corruption campaign, a hallmark of Xi Jinping's leadership, continues to ensnare high-ranking officials. In the first quarter of this year alone, 20 centrally-managed officials, known as "Zhongguan," were investigated. This group includes two individuals at the vice-state level and four at the provincial or ministerial level, underscoring the persistent nature of corruption within the Communist Party.

Since Xi Jinping came to power, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission have investigated 553 "Zhongguan" officials up to the 20th Party Congress in October 2022. While official statements claim the anti-corruption fight has achieved an "overwhelming victory" and that a mechanism to deter corruption is forming, the authorities also acknowledge that the situation remains "complex and severe."

The report indicates that since the 20th Party Congress, the average annual number of investigated "Zhongguan" officials has increased. Recent high-profile cases involving figures like Qin Gang and Li Shangfu, alongside the 20 officials investigated in the first quarter of 2026, demonstrate both the campaign's reach and the depth of the corruption problem. This situation, despite Xi's consolidated power, impacts his prestige due to the perceived failures in vetting officials, leading to the negative public perception of pervasive corruption.

While Xi Jinping's authority allows him to appoint loyalists and shape the leadership team, the repeated downfall of promoted cadres, including vice-state and military commission level leaders, suggests issues with vetting processes. Although these scandals may not threaten his grip on power, they tarnish his image and highlight the challenge of eradicating corruption.