Key facts
- Cai Fuchao, a retired top media censor in China, is under investigation for "suspected severe violations of discipline and laws."
- Cai previously held significant roles overseeing publishing, TV, radio, film, and online content nationwide.
- He retired from all official positions in 2018.
- This investigation is part of a broader anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping.
- Another former high-ranking official, Ma Xingrui, was recently expelled from the Communist Party for corruption.
BEIJING, July 15 (Reuters) - China's top anti-graft body announced on Wednesday that it is investigating Cai Fuchao, a former journalist who was responsible for ensuring media content aligned with Communist Party doctrine during the 2010s. The investigation is for "suspected severe violations of discipline and laws."
As the chief of China's press and broadcaster administrator, Cai oversaw publishing, television, radio, film, and online content across the country. He enforced censorship policies, guided public opinion, and directed creative content. He also previously led state TV and radio broadcasters.
Cai, 75, had also served as the deputy head of the ruling Communist Party's propaganda department and head of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television. He retired from all official positions in 2018.
He is the latest senior official to be implicated in an extensive anti-corruption campaign launched by President Xi Jinping, which has led to investigations and purges of millions within China's bureaucracy, including high-ranking officials and military generals.
This announcement follows the expulsion of Ma Xingrui, a former member of China's elite Politburo, from the Communist Party due to corruption and abuse of power. Ma was considered one of China's two dozen most powerful officials.
The investigation into Cai was announced by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and comes amid similar cases within China's propaganda system. In 2025, Zhang Jianchun, another former deputy propaganda chief, received a 14-year prison sentence for corruption. Lu Wei, a former deputy propaganda minister and internet czar, also received a 14-year sentence for similar offenses.