Xi Jinping’s Anti-Corruption Campaign: Reform, Consolidation, and Internal Struggles
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Chinese President Xi Jinping, often described as the nations most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, is intensifying efforts to address internal challenges within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). His ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which began when he took office in 2012, has not only targeted unscrupulous officials but also served as a mechanism to consolidate his authority and navigate internal party struggles. Recent developments indicate a renewed focus on eliminating internal dissent and fostering a cadre of officials who embody the CCPs vision of integrity, reform-mindedness, and loyalty.
At the annual gathering of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, Xi highlighted the need to confront internal conflicts and challenges arising from changes in the partys composition and external pressures. Changes in the external environment and in the party membership will inevitably lead to various conflicts and problems within the party, he said. It is necessary to eliminate all kinds of negative influences in a timely manner with the courage of turning the blade inward to ensure that the party is always full of vigor and vitality.
An article, originally published in Qiushi Journal No. 16, 2024, also emphasized the importance of selecting politically committed, highly responsible, and honest officials, while addressing the issue of bureaucrats hesitant to take risks due to fear of repercussions.
Xis campaign has reached new heights, with a record number of senior officials facing disciplinary actions for two consecutive years. The purge has particularly rocked Chinas defense establishment, where more than a dozen high-ranking officials have been ousted since last summer. Among the most significant figures is Admiral Miao Hua, a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC), who was recently suspended for serious violations of discipline, a term often used as a euphemism for corruption or disloyalty. Notably, Miao had been considered a staunch Xi loyalist, making his removal a striking development in the broader crackdown.
As the head of the CMCs political work department, Miaos role involved overseeing political indoctrination and personnel appointments. His suspension, alongside the earlier removal of two defense ministers appointed by Xi, signals a deeper push to root out perceived threats within the military and ensure absolute loyalty to the CCPs central leadership.
The Qiushi article sheds light on the CCPs broader objectives, linking internal reforms with external challenges. It acknowledges the uncertainties and unpredictability China faces, referencing geopolitical tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine war, conflicts in the Middle East, and escalating efforts by external forces to contain China. These challenges, described as black swan (unexpected crises) and gray rhino (highly probable but ignored risks) events, demand a robust and adaptable governance framework.
To navigate this complex landscape, Xi has emphasized the need for comprehensive deepening of reform to advance Chinese modernization. The draft resolution published in Qiushi outlines specific measures to refine decision-making mechanisms, improve personnel management systems, and address corruption in its evolving forms. It also underscores the need for positive incentives to encourage local officials to take initiative and avoid bureaucratic stagnation.
The Three Distinctions framework is designed to differentiate between errors arising from inexperience, violations of explicit prohibitions, and unwitting mistakes made in the pursuit of development. By applying this nuanced approach, the CCP aims to foster a culture of innovation and accountability while discouraging reckless or self-serving behavior.
This strategy reflects a broader effort to balance strict discipline with incentives for proactive governance. Xis remarks on removing viruses that erode the healthy body of the party highlight the dual focus on eradicating corruption and addressing systemic issues like pointless formalities and bureaucratic inertia.
Xis anti-corruption campaign and reform initiatives are reshaping the CCP. While these measures have bolstered Xis authority, they have also exposed internal tensions. Critics, such as former CCP insider Cai Xia, argue that Xis hardline policies have stifled dissent and created a climate of fear among officials. Cais expulsion from the party in 2020, following her public criticism of Xis leadership, underscores the risks faced by those who challenge the partys top leader.
Despite these criticisms, Xis resolve to maintain the CCPs dominance and advance Chinas modernization remains unwavering. By addressing both internal and external challenges through a combination of stringent discipline, institutional reform, and strategic foresight, Xi aims to position China as a formidable global power.
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