On December 30, 2025, Zhang Shiping, a high-ranking official of the Chinese Communist Party, was placed under investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission. Zhang Shiping had previously served as the chief steward and deputy to high-ranking CCP officials Peng Peiyun, Gu Xiulian, Wang Zhaoguo, and Chen Zhili. Peng Peiyun passed away on December 21, 2025.
This marks the downfall of the 65th senior CCP official in 2025 to be investigated. Among them, Zhang Shiping is the fifth high-ranking female official to face such scrutiny, following Liu Hui, Wang Lixia, Wu Lan, and Wang Jun.
Zhang Shiping, born in September 1954 in Beijing, has a long history of serving in various positions within the Chinese government, particularly within the All-China Women’s Federation and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. Prior to her current investigation, Zhang Shiping had made public appearances in November 2025 at events such as the Zhongguancun Talent Forum in Beijing and the Belt and Road Women’s Forum in Shanghai.
The investigation into Zhang Shiping coincides with the recent passing of her former superior, Peng Peiyun, a veteran CCP official who held various key positions over the years, including serving as the Chairwoman of the All-China Women’s Federation during the late 1990s.
Peng Peiyun, born in December 1929, played significant roles in population control policies in China, notably during her tenure as the head of the National Population and Family Planning Commission in the late 1980s to the late 1990s. Despite official tributes praising her leadership in population health and women’s issues, social media was filled with criticisms and harsh memories of the coercive “One-Child Policy” during her time in office.
Following Peng Peiyun, Gu Xiulian assumed the role of Chairwoman of the All-China Women’s Federation from 2003 to 2008. This period also saw Zhang Shiping ascending to various leadership positions within the Women’s Federation, including roles in the Women’s Development Department and the Children’s Development Group.
Gu Xiulian, born in December 1936, had a diverse career within the CCP, holding top positions in national family planning committees and provincial governments. Similarly, Zhang Shiping’s trajectory within the All-China Federation of Trade Unions under the leadership of Wang Zhaoguo showcased her rise within the party ranks.
Wang Zhaoguo, born in July 1941, had a storied career in various key positions within the Communist Party, including roles in youth organizations, provincial governments, and ultimately serving as the Chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. During Zhang Shiping’s tenure as his deputy, she also held concurrent positions within the All-China Women’s Federation.
Chen Zhili, who started her career in Shanghai and was once linked to a prominent CCP figure, Jiang Zemin, faced controversies during her time leading the All-China Women’s Federation. Chen Zhili’s career coincided with pivotal moments in Chinese politics, particularly during and after the events of the Tiananmen Square protests.
The investigations into these senior CCP officials reflect the ongoing power struggles and political dynamics within the party, as well as the intricate web of relationships and hierarchies that shape Chinese governance. The cases of Zhang Shiping and her predecessors highlight the complexities and challenges faced by women in leadership positions within the Chinese political system.