Key facts
- Xia Kun, president of the University of South China, is under investigation for suspected corruption.
- Xia Kun formally took the helm of the university in December 2025.
- Zhang Zhuohua, a former president of the University of South China, is also under investigation for suspected severe duty-related violations.
- Zhang Zhuohua previously served as vice-president of Central South University and president of the University of South China.
- Zhang Zhuohua is currently the vice-chairman of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
The sitting president of the University of South China, Xia Kun, is under investigation for suspected corruption, according to the Hunan Provincial Discipline Inspection and Supervisory Commission. Xia, 55, who took office in December 2025, is suspected of serious violations of discipline and law. This probe follows an investigation into Zhang Zhuohua, a senior political adviser and former president of the University of South China, for suspected severe duty-related violations. Zhang, 62, had a career spanning medical research and academia, including roles at Central South University and the University of South China, before becoming vice-chairman of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in January 2018. The National Commission of Supervision announced Zhang's investigation without releasing further details.