Key facts
- China's top anti-graft watchdog and the Ministry of Finance identified local officials for hidden debt violations.
- Officials were cited for adding new hidden government debt or overstating progress in resolving existing liabilities.
- The disciplinary notice highlights Beijing's efforts to contain financial risks from off-balance-sheet local government debt.
China's top anti-graft watchdog and the Ministry of Finance have publicly identified several local officials for either adding new hidden government debt or overstating progress in resolving existing liabilities. The unusual joint disciplinary notice, released on September 11, 2026, highlights Beijing’s determination to contain financial risks as a yearslong campaign to tackle trillions of yuan in off-balance-sheet local government debt moves into a crucial phase. Six typical cases of accountability were detailed.