China Expels Top Politburo Member Ma Xingrui

The Chinese Communist Party has expelled Ma Xingrui, a senior official, for corruption and misuse of power. Ma, who previously served as the party secretary for Xinjiang, is the third Politburo member to be removed since 2022. This move forms part of Xi Jinping’s campaign against corruption among top officials.

Ma’s expulsion marks a significant fall from grace for a figure once seen as one of China’s promising political leaders. His career included roles as an engineer and scientist, highlighting his technical and political prowess.

The Politburo’s reduction to 21 members after the removal of He Weidong and Zhang Youxia, both military officials, signifies a deep purge within this top political body. This shift is the most substantial since Deng Xiaoping established lasting governance rules in the 1980s.

Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute in London, commented on this development. “Politburo ranks once ensured security unless severe issues arose,” he said. “Under Xi, however, members are more vulnerable. His actions send a strong message: comply and adhere to directives.”