China Expels Senior Politburo Member in Major Anti-Corruption Drive
China Expels Senior Politburo Member in Major Anti-Corruption Drive
Another top official, Ma Xingrui, falls in China's sweeping anti-corruption campaign. Learn how President Xi Jinping is consolidating power and enforcing party discipline.
The ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) made a significant move on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, by expelling Ma Xingrui, the former chief of Xinjiang province, from the party and dismissing him from public service. This action comes as part of President Xi Jinping's ongoing and extensive anti-corruption campaign, which has seen numerous high-ranking officials face investigation and punishment.
Ma Xingrui, who was also a member of the influential Politburo—China's top decision-making body—was found to have "lost his ideals and beliefs," abandoned his "political conviction," and seriously violated party discipline and rules, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. This expulsion marks him as the third member of the 24-member Politburo to come under investigation during the current party term, which began in 2022. Such a high-profile purge is a rare event in the 105-year history of the Communist Party.
President Xi Jinping initiated his sweeping anti-corruption drive shortly after taking power in 2012. Since then, hundreds of party and military officials have been penalized for corruption and disciplinary infractions, underscoring the party's determination to maintain internal discipline and public trust. The campaign is widely seen as a tool for consolidating Xi's power while addressing genuine public concerns about corruption.
Ma Xingrui's downfall has been anticipated for some time. He had stepped down as Communist Party secretary of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in July of last year and had been conspicuously absent from several key party events since November, fueling speculation about his status. The investigation against him was officially announced in April, leading to disciplinary and supervisory probes. The Politburo's review and approval of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection's report on his cases ultimately sealed his expulsion.
Before his political career, Mr. Ma was an aerospace expert, having served as the general manager of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation from 2007 to 2013. During this period, he also held the position of deputy commander-in-chief of China's manned spaceflight program, highlighting his prominence before his political ascent and subsequent fall. The ongoing crackdown continues to send a clear message throughout the party: no official is beyond the reach of the anti-graft efforts.
