Xi Jinping’s relentless anti-corruption campaign has become a defining aspect of his leadership in China. While critics argue that it resembles the purges of Stalin, others acknowledge the real problem of corruption that Xi aims to address. The campaign traces back to Mao’s era, where the emphasis was on fostering a love for the Communist Party to control corruption. However, subsequent leaders shifted the focus to improving living standards as a means to reduce corruption. Xi has revived Mao’s approach, placing immense importance on Party loyalty to combat the issue.
The Party’s anti-corruption campaigns primarily target its own members, considering that most high-ranking individuals in Chinese society are Communist Party members. These campaigns are launched through the Party, giving it control over the investigations and allowing it to enforce its regulations. However, this has led to concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the process. Individuals can be detained without their families being informed or given access to legal representation, raising questions about human rights.
While the anti-corruption crackdown aims to clean up economic interactions, it inadvertently hampers innovation and entrepreneurship. The fear of being implicated in corruption charges has reduced the incentive for officials to take risks and drive economic growth. Many officials have adopted a “lying flat” approach, doing the bare minimum to avoid attention and potentially harmful accusations. This cautiousness stifles ambition and creates a risk-averse environment that impedes progress.
The finance sector has been a major target of the anti-corruption campaign, with numerous senior executives facing allegations of bribery. The prevalence of financial corruption over the years makes it challenging to address the issue quickly. Banking, where substantial sums of money are involved, remains a primary focus for the crackdown. However, the ultimate power lies with the military, specifically the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which is under the Party’s control. The removal of generals and the Defense Minister from their positions highlights the extent of corruption within the military and its potential consequences, including the procurement of subpar military equipment.
While Xi’s anti-corruption campaign has brought corrupt officials to justice, it fails to address the systemic issues that allow corruption to persist. The absence of independent anti-corruption bodies, transparency, and media freedom limits efforts to combat corruption effectively. China’s reliance on the Party to police itself creates a continuous cycle of hunting down corrupt individuals without implementing comprehensive strategies to prevent corruption from occurring.
Changing social attitudes is also crucial for long-term success in curbing corruption. Profound cultural shifts are necessary to redefine acceptable practices and eliminate corruption as a norm within officialdom. Reducing corruption requires more than legal and regulatory changes; it necessitates a transformation in the entire culture surrounding corruption.
However, the anti-corruption campaign has inadvertently silenced officials who fear speaking out and providing honest advice. This lack of diverse perspectives and critical input can result in flawed decision-making, as seen during China’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Xi’s preference for loyalty over frank advice carries risks, as it may lead to a disconnect between economic understanding and policy implementation.
While the anti-corruption campaign has punished millions of individuals, ranging from warnings to severe penalties, it has also deepened public cynicism. The prolonged campaign and the continued discovery of corrupt officials suggest that the problem persists despite the relentless pursuit of wrongdoers. This ongoing battle has not only tarnished the Party’s reputation but also instilled a sense of disillusionment among the general population.
Overall, Xi Jinping’s never-ending hunt for corruption in the Communist Party has had far-reaching implications for China’s governance. While it aims to address a real problem, the campaign’s methods and lack of systemic changes have raised concerns about transparency, human rights, and the fostering of a risk-averse culture. Overcoming corruption requires more than punitive measures; it demands comprehensive reforms, cultural transformations, and increased transparency to create lasting change.
