China's Emergency Management Minister Under Corruption Probe

Wang Xiangxi, China's Minister of Emergency Management, is currently under investigation for suspected "serious violations of discipline and law," a phrase commonly used for corruption. The anti-graft watchdog announced this probe amidst an ongoing campaign targeting senior officials.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, which is conducting the investigation, did not provide specific details regarding Wang, who also serves as a Communist Party secretary.

Investigations into sitting ministers are considered uncommon.

Part of Broader Anti-Corruption Drive

This development is part of President Xi Jinping’s extensive anti-corruption purge. Last week, the defense ministry also disclosed an investigation into Zhang Youxia, China's top general and second in military leadership to Xi.

President Xi Jinping recently emphasized that anti-corruption is a critical battle for China. The previous year recorded 65 probes into high-ranking officials, with scrutiny now expanding to former leaders of universities and state-owned enterprises.

Wang's Background and Recent Activity

Wang, aged 63, assumed his ministerial position in July 2022, following his tenure as chairman of the state-owned power generator National Energy Investment Corp.

The Ministry of Emergency Management reported that Wang participated in a regular internal meeting on Tuesday, where officials engage in self-criticism.

Related Investigations

Separately, the corruption watchdog has also announced an investigation into Sun Shaocheng, the former Party secretary of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, as reported by state-owned media.