Xi’s anti-corruption fighters target officials outside Beijing and after retirement

President Xi Jinping's signature anti-corruption campaign continues to expand its reach, zeroing in on officials across China, even those who have left public service.

A major data project by the South China Morning Post reveals that the campaign, which began in 2013, has significantly altered the landscape for senior Chinese officials. Previously, many preferred postings outside the capital, believing fewer supervisors meant more autonomy. However, the anti-graft drive has made such positions vulnerable.

According to the SCMP's tally of publicly known officials targeted by the Communist Party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection between 2013 and 2025, a striking 60 percent were apprehended while serving in regional government roles. These officials typically held ranks at the deputy ministerial level or above, or occupied sensitive positions in key sectors.

Furthermore, the analysis indicates that the campaign is not limited to active officials nearing the end of their careers. The median age of targeted individuals was 60, which is the standard retirement age for those at the deputy provincial rank. This suggests that the anti-corruption fighters are pursuing targets long after they might have expected to be beyond scrutiny.