According to incomplete statistics, at least 29 vice ministerial-level officials have been investigated by the Chinese Communist authorities this year, with an average of 3 high-ranking officials being scrutinized each month. Additionally, the authorities have also announced the expulsion of at least 17 vice ministerial-level officials from the party and their positions, disclosing the related misconduct.
According to a report released on September 12 on the website of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Chinese Communist Party, Zhang Zulin, a former party member of the Yunnan provincial government and vice governor, is under investigation for serious violations of discipline and law.
The report stated that Zhang Zulin formed cliques, engaged in group activities, resisted scrutiny, conducted superstitious activities; engaged in power and money transactions; illegally intervened in and meddled with judicial activities; led a luxurious lifestyle, indulged in pleasure, and had a corrupt style; conducted large-scale power and money transactions, and accepted huge sums of money. Consequently, Zhang Zulin was expelled from the Chinese Communist Party and had his benefits revoked.
The official report also specifically mentioned that Zhang Zulin “privately possessed and viewed books, periodicals, and audio-visual products with serious political issues”.
Regarding what constitutes “books and periodicals with serious political content,” the People’s Daily previously explained: “Deforming the image of the Party and the country or defaming and slandering Party and national leaders, or distorting Party history and military history,” among others.
According to public records, Zhang Zulin has previously served as the mayor of Lijiang City, Kunming City, Yuxi City Party Secretary, and vice governor of Yunnan Province. Zhang Zulin was placed under investigation in March this year.
From 2007 to 2012, during his five-year tenure as Mayor of Kunming City, Zhang Zulin formed cliques with Chou He and Zhang Tianxin, both of whom were investigated in March 2015 and July 2014, respectively.
On the same day that Zhang Zulin was announced to be under investigation on the website of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, Li Haitao, the former deputy chairman of the Heilongjiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), was also reported to have been expelled from the party and removed from office. The official report pointed out his disloyalty to the organization, engagement in superstitious activities, excessive greed, involvement in power and money transactions, and illegal acceptance of huge sums of money.
According to public records, Li Haitao has served as the Deputy Secretary of the Jiamusi Municipal Party Committee of Heilongjiang Province, Mayor of Jiamusi City, Secretary of the Da…