China Investigates Former Chongqing Mayor Huang Qifan as Xi, 73, Tightens Purges Before 2027 Congress
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 26
China Investigates Former Chongqing Mayor Huang Qifan as Xi, 73, Tightens Purges Before 2027 Congress
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 26
Summary
Huang Qifan, a former Chongqing mayor who stayed influential after leaving office, is under Communist Party investigation in a move that typically ends in imprisonment.
The case surfaced just before this week's four-day Central Committee meeting in Beijing, where officials are expected to prepare Xi Jinping's bid for another five years in power and approve stricter scrutiny rules.
Xi, 73, has said officials remain disloyal, apathetic and corrupt despite more than a decade of anti-corruption drives and loyalty campaigns, signaling a fresh push to enforce obedience.
The renewed purge campaign also sets the stage for the late-2027 party congress, when Xi is expected to install a new cohort of younger officials under a fourth term as party leader.