China’s Anti-Corruption Campaigns Surge Amid Political Struggles and Economic Challenges

China's Anti-Corruption Campaigns: From Historic Peaks to Political Turmoil Amid Economic Challenges

China is currently undergoing a new, intensified wave of anti-corruption efforts, surpassing the already historic scale of previous campaigns under President Xi Jinping. Alongside this, political uncertainties and power struggles emerge as key figures reappear in public life, military purges intensify, and the economy confronts structural challenges amid tense international relations.

Key Points:

• Since 2013, China has seen two major peaks of anti-corruption purges, with the second wave (2023-present) involving more officials and significantly larger corruption sums than the first (2013-2016).

• The anti-corruption campaigns have shifted focus from politically motivated purges targeting high-ranking officials linked to Zhou Yongkang, to broader, financially rooted investigations affecting diverse sectors including finance, healthcare, and the military.

• Recent large-scale military purges before the 20th Central Committee’s fourth plenary session reflect intensifying internal power struggles, casting doubt over Xi Jinping’s grip on authority.

• Economic data reveal slowing consumption and structural imbalances despite moderate GDP growth, coinciding with the ongoing political consolidation and high-profile personnel changes in diplomatic ranks.

• An AI-generated viral video imagines a post-Communist China with democratic freedoms, highlighting popular desires clashing sharply with the harsh realities of Beijing’s tightening control.

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The Two Waves of Anti-Corruption: Scale, Scope, and Political Context

In 2014, renowned Chinese historical novelist 'Er Yuehe' famously stated that the anti-corruption intensity under Xi Jinping was unprecedented in Chinese history. This observation proved prescient: the initial wave (2013-2016) saw 105 senior officials – mainly provincial and ministerial level cadres – fall under investigation. Notable among them was Zhou Yongkang, a Politburo Standing Committee member whose downfall shattered the long-held belief that members of the highest echelon were untouchable.

Fast forward to the second wave, starting in 2023, and the scale has eclipsed the first: 154 senior officials investigated by October 2025, with involvement amounts averaging 165 million yuan, compared to 46.7 million yuan in the first. The cumulative official corruption value in the past 12 years has surpassed 300 billion yuan.

This second wave is less about political factional cleansing and more focused on systemic financial corruption. Experts note that while the first wave was tightly linked to the Zhou Yongkang faction and accusations of political disloyalty, the current wave targets officials directly appointed and vetted by Xi, indicating a crackdown on rampant graft itself.

Changing Targets and the Military

The military, historically a dark spot for corruption, remains a major focus. The first purge heavily targeted generals tied to former military chiefs Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong. Many officers promoted during that period later also faced investigations.

The latest purge cuts deeper into Xi’s own appointees: Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission He Weidong, political work chief Miao Hua, and Defence Minister Li Shangfu have all been investigated. These high-profile military cleansings signal ongoing power rebalancing in the armed forces and Xi’s dissatisfaction with the political reliability of senior officers, despite their personal loyalty.

Analysts draw parallels between current ambitions of some military leaders and historical power struggles, referencing the Lin Biao incident under Mao, where loyalty was insufficient when combined with perceived overreach.

Systemic Challenges and the Persistence of Corruption

Despite intense campaigns, corruption appears endemic and increasingly severe. Assessments highlight a systemic dilemma: local and senior officials wield enormous unchecked authority within China’s centralized one-party system, enabling persistent graft as private actors seek favors.

Experts argue that while stronger oversight tools and institutional reforms have been introduced, the absence of independent judiciary and civil society means anti-corruption efforts are top-down and politicized, often perceived externally as factional purges rather than genuine governance reforms.

The persistence of corruption amidst ongoing purges underscores the deep institutional challenges facing the Communist Party. Calls for systemic changes are muted by fears of destabilization and risks to the regime’s survival from broader political liberalization.

Political Intrigue Amid the 20th Central Committee’s Fourth Plenary Session

As the 20th Central Committee’s crucial fourth plenary meeting unfolded in October 2025 behind closed doors, signs of intense internal turmoil surfaced:

• Former Premier Zhu Rongji’s rare public engagement and a high-profile banquet hosted by former Vice President Wang Qishan, both perceived as signals of dissent or attempts at political recalibration.

• A sweeping military purge removing nine generals, most of whom were Xi’s close allies, hinted at power struggles within the top leadership.

• Widespread speculation about Xi’s weakening control and possible influence of elder party factions aiming to curtail his dominance circulated in political circles.

• Dramatic reshuffles in diplomatic postings, including the replacement of key figures like trade envoy Li Chenggang, coincided with increased international tensions and reflected efforts to recalibrate China’s global posture.

Economic Challenges in the Shadow of Political Upheaval

China’s official third-quarter GDP growth slowed to 4.8%, from 5.2% in the previous quarter, revealing persistent structural problems despite almost meeting Beijing’s target. Industrial production rose robustly, but retail growth hit a 10-month low, highlighting an imbalance between overcapacity in manufacturing and weak domestic consumption.

These trends were disclosed coincidentally as the leadership discussed the upcoming Five-Year Plan during the plenary session. Analysts expect the plan to emphasize consumption boosts yet continue prioritizing technology and industrial upgrades to address geopolitical and competitive pressures, particularly from the US.

Demographic trends and an oversized youth unemployment rate further complicate growth prospects. Moreover, ongoing trade frictions and diplomatic setbacks place additional strain on economic and political stability.

The Vision of a Post-Communist China and Reality’s Stark Contrast

Amidst these developments, an AI-generated viral video titled "Post-Communist Era" captured imaginations across China. It depicts citizens toppling communist symbols, enjoying newfound freedoms including free elections and shortened school days, and witnessing transitional justice—visions that deeply resonate as aspirations but starkly contrast with the prevailing political crackdown.

The video’s rapid spread and emotional impact reveal a collective yearning for an alternative future, juxtaposed with the contemporaneous crackdown on military officers, diplomats, and party elites.

Xi Jinping’s Succession Dilemma and the Future of Chinese Politics

Xi Jinping, at age 72 and in power for nearly thirteen years, faces the quintessential authoritarian dilemma: designating a successor risks creating a rival power center, while delaying succession increases the risk of instability.

Experts note that “loyalty” remains the paramount criterion for promotion, complicating leadership renewal. With much of the current Politburo Standing Committee being over 60 years old and no clear successor identified, the political system faces a “time bomb” of succession uncertainties.

This precarious leadership transition context unfolds against the backdrop of Xi’s consolidation of power, repeated purges, and the regime’s efforts to maintain legitimacy amid economic and social pressures.

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China’s current political and economic landscape is thus defined by an unprecedented scale of anti-corruption campaigns deeply intertwined with factional power struggles, institutional constraints, and an uncertain future leadership transition. Against the backdrop of structural economic challenges and geopolitical contestation, Beijing’s authoritarian model faces intense pressures both internally and externally, shaping the trajectory of the world’s second-largest economy and one-party state.

Questions and answers

Q: China anti-corruption campaign history

A: China's anti-corruption campaign has its roots in efforts to tackle graft since the founding of the People's Republic, but it intensified significantly after Xi Jinping became General Secretary of the Communist Party in 2012. The campaign targets officials at all levels, from low-ranking cadres to top leaders, aiming to strengthen party discipline and public trust. Despite criticism regarding its political motives, it has led to the investigation and punishment of thousands of officials nationwide.

Q: Current military purges in China

A: Recent military purges in China have been part of broader efforts to modernize and tighten control over the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Under Xi Jinping's leadership, high-ranking military officials suspected of corruption or disloyalty have been removed to reinforce party loyalty and eliminate dissent. These purges are intended to ensure the military remains a reliable instrument of the Communist Party.

Q: Impact of Xi Jinping's anti-corruption drive

A: Xi Jinping's anti-corruption drive has significantly reshaped China's political landscape by consolidating his power and deterring corrupt practices within the Communist Party. It has helped improve the government's image domestically and internationally while instilling greater discipline among officials. However, some critics argue the campaign has been used to sideline political rivals and centralize authority around Xi.

Q: China economic growth and political instability

A: China's rapid economic growth over the past decades has been accompanied by occasional political instability, often related to socioeconomic inequality, corruption, and governance challenges. The government emphasizes political stability as essential for sustaining development and employs strict controls to manage dissent. While growth has lifted millions out of poverty, maintaining a balance between economic reform and political control remains a key challenge.

Q: Future of Chinese leadership succession

A: The future of Chinese leadership succession is traditionally governed by the Communist Party's internal protocols, with a norm of orderly transitions every decade. However, under Xi Jinping, there has been a shift toward prolonging leadership terms, raising questions about the potential for future power concentration. While formal succession plans exist, political dynamics within the party could influence how leadership transitions unfold in the coming years.

Key Entities

Xi Jinping: Xi Jinping is the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and the President of the People's Republic of China. He holds the paramount leadership position guiding China's political and military strategies.

Zhou Yongkang: Zhou Yongkang is a former senior Chinese official who served on the Politburo Standing Committee and was once in charge of China's security apparatus. He was later investigated and convicted for corruption and abuse of power.

He Weidong: He Weidong is a senior officer in the People’s Liberation Army with significant influence in China’s military leadership. He has held key positions related to military operations and strategic planning.

Miao Hua: Miao Hua is a general in the People’s Liberation Army and has served as the director of the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission. His role involves overseeing political and ideological work within the military.

Li Shangfu: Li Shangfu is a high-ranking official in China’s defense sector, serving as Minister of National Defense and a member of the Central Military Commission. He plays a crucial role in shaping China’s military technology and procurement policies.

External articles

• Anti-corruption campaign under Xi Jinping
• From Purge to Control: A Recent Pivot in Xi Jinping's Anti ...
• The Empire Sharpens Its Sword: Why Xi Jinping Brought ...

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YouTube Video

Title: Xi's Endgame? Military Collapses: 9 Generals Fall, 4 More Dismissed!
Channel: Decoding China
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSf-MlurdOA
Published: 1 day ago