China Expels Third Politburo Member, Deepening Xi's Anti-Graft Push

China has expelled former Politburo member Ma Xingrui from the ruling Communist Party over corruption allegations, making him the third Politburo-level official to be removed since 2025.

The decision reflects President Xi Jinping's continued efforts to expand his anti-corruption campaign, which has increasingly focused on the country's top political leaders.

The latest action comes as Beijing seeks to strengthen Communist Party discipline during a period of economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

Analysts say the campaign is aimed at tackling corruption while also reinforcing loyalty within the Communist Party.

• China expels third Politburo member as Xi expands anti corruption drive
• Xi Jinping's anti graft campaign removes another senior Communist Party leader
• China intensifies anti corruption push with Ma Xingrui expulsion

Corruption Charges Lead to Expulsion

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Ma was expelled after an investigation found that he had misused his position to influence official appointments, accepted expensive gifts, arranged jobs for associates, and helped family members purchase property at below-market prices. Authorities also accused him of using his political influence for personal gain and allowing relatives to benefit from his position.

Investigators described the case as one involving widespread family corruption, alleging that Ma used his authority to secure financial benefits for those close to him. Officials did not reveal the amount involved, but the allegations make it one of the most significant corruption allegations involving a senior Communist Party leader in recent years.

Ma previously served as Communist Party secretary of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region before moving to a senior role overseeing rural affairs. He came under investigation in April for what Chinese authorities referred to as "serious violations of discipline and law," the phrase commonly used in corruption investigations.

Campaign Reaches Senior Leadership

Ma's removal is the latest step in Xi Jinping's long-running anti-graft drive, which began soon after he took office in 2012. Over the years, the campaign has led to investigations into thousands of officials, from local administrators to some of the country's most powerful political and military leadership figures.

The crackdown has also extended to the armed forces. Earlier this year, authorities launched an investigation into senior military leader General Zhang Youxia, while former Central Military Commission Vice Chairman He Weidong was expelled from the Communist Party last year over corruption allegations.

With Ma becoming the third Politburo member to be removed since 2025, analysts say the campaign sends a clear message that even the highest-ranking officials are not beyond scrutiny. It also highlights Beijing's continued focus on strengthening party discipline within the ruling party.

Chinese authorities say the anti-corruption drive is intended to improve governance, restore public confidence, and maintain the integrity of the Communist Party. However, some political observers believe the campaign has also helped Xi consolidate his leadership by removing influential figures and reinforcing political loyalty.

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As investigations continue across both civilian and military institutions, the latest expulsion shows that China's anti-corruption campaign remains a central part of Xi Jinping's leadership agenda and is continuing to reshape Chinese politics.