Another official within the civil aviation system of the Chinese Communist Party has come under investigation. According to the official announcement from the CCP on October 9, Zhang Rui, director of the Civil Aviation Administration Airport Department, is currently undergoing disciplinary review and supervision investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.
Zhang Rui had previously served as deputy director and director of the Comprehensive Office, deputy director of the Safety Office, and deputy director of the Airport Department, before being promoted to director of the Airport Department in September 2021. In July of this year, Zhang Rui was taken away for investigation.
Prior to this, Zhou Qiang, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the China Aviation Oil Group Limited Corporation, was investigated in June this year for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.
In May, Li Ming, former member of the Party Committee and Deputy General Manager of the Guangdong Airport Management Group Limited Corporation, was investigated for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.
According to incomplete statistics, starting from 2019, at least 44 civil aviation officials who have been publicly announced to be under scrutiny and investigation.
Amidst a series of investigations involving high-level officials in China’s civil aviation sector, the latest case involving Zhang Rui signifies an ongoing crackdown on corruption and malpractice within the industry. The frequent occurrences of such investigations highlight the widespread problem of corruption that has plagued the sector for years, prompting authorities to take decisive action to root out wrongdoing and uphold integrity in the aviation system.
The developments in these cases underscore the Chinese government’s commitment to combating corruption at all levels of governance and sending a strong message that officials who engage in illicit activities will be held accountable. As the investigations continue and more cases are brought to light, the spotlight remains on the need for transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within the civil aviation sector to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel in China.