Key facts
- Huang Qifan, a former mayor of Chongqing, is under investigation for corruption.
- A senior figure in Sichuan province has been expelled from the party.
- China's anti-graft watchdog stated that corrupt officials have no way out.
China's top anti-corruption body, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), has issued a warning that corrupt officials have no escape, regardless of their seniority. This statement follows the announcement of an investigation into Huang Qifan, the former mayor of Chongqing, and the expulsion of a senior figure in Sichuan province. Huang, a prominent economic technocrat, was placed under investigation for suspected law and discipline violations, a euphemism for corruption. He had previously survived the 2012 purge of his former boss, Bo Xilai, who was later imprisoned for corruption and abuse of power. Huang had publicly disavowed Bo after his downfall. After stepping down as mayor in 2016, Huang has held advisory and academic roles.