On October 22, China’s official news agency reported significant developments in the fight against corruption, announcing the expulsion of two high-ranking officials from the Communist Party. Liu Zhiqiang, a former Vice Minister and member of the Ministry of Justice’s Party Leadership Group, was found guilty of severe violations and expelled from the Party. Gao Peng, a former Vice Mayor and Party Leadership Group member of the Beijing Municipal Government, was also expelled for serious misconduct.
Liu Zhiqiang, born in July 1963 in Juancheng, Shandong Province, has an extensive background in law enforcement, having worked for many years in the Ministry of Public Security’s Foreign Affairs Division and later as the head of its International Cooperation Bureau. In June 2012, he became the Vice Governor of Qinghai Province and shifted to the Ministry of Justice in January 2016. However, in June 2023, his position as Vice Minister was revoked, and on April 30 of this year, he was officially placed under investigation.
The investigation revealed that Liu had lost faith in his duties, betrayed his mission, and exhibited disloyalty to the Party. He was also found to have violated the Party’s principles by accepting invitations that could influence his official responsibilities, failing to disclose important issues during internal inquiries, and corruptly benefiting others while abusing his power for personal gain. Liu engaged in various illicit activities, including accepting bribes and gifts, which emphasized his gross misconduct. The findings led to his expulsion from the Party and the removal of his benefits, with his illegal gains confiscated and related criminal matters referred to prosecutorial authorities.
Gao Peng, born in July 1972 in Fengcheng, Liaoning Province, previously held several significant roles, including as a member of the Fengtai District Party Committee and the Secretary of the Shunyi District Party Committee in Beijing. His investigation commenced on April 21 this year.
The inquiry into Gao’s conduct indicated that he too had strayed from his initial convictions, evading responsibilities during critical challenges and negatively impacting political integrity. He disregarded regulations, accepting hospitality that compromised his impartiality and arranging preferential services for his family. Gao was also accused of manipulating selection processes for self-serving interests, falsifying qualifications, engaging in illicit financial transactions, and indulging in corrupt exchanges, which put significant state interests at risk.
As a result of these serious infractions, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection decided to expel Gao from the Party and remove him from his official position. His illegal earnings were confiscated, and related criminal allegations were referred to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution.
These cases highlight the ongoing efforts by Chinese authorities to maintain integrity within the Party and public service sectors.
