On May 9th, Xu Hongbing, the deputy mayor of Pingdingshan City, Henan Province, was reported to be suspected of serious violations of discipline and law, and he voluntarily surrendered himself for investigation. This news has sparked a public outcry. Xu Hongbing had previously portrayed himself as a “model of integrity,” making the stark contrast in his actions now all the more shocking.
According to his public resume, Xu Hongbing was born in March 1971 in Jia County, Henan Province, and joined the Chinese Communist Party in December 1991.
Xu Hongbing had served in various positions, including Secretary of Baofeng County Committee in Pingdingshan City, Henan Province, and as a primary researcher. He was appointed as the deputy mayor of Pingdingshan City in July 2022. The government website indicates that Xu Hongbing was responsible for work in the fields of science and technology, industry, ecological environment, market supervision, and the development of the ceramic industry.
Reports in the media show that on April 25th this year, Xu Hongbing attended a public event.
An article by the blogger “Daily Learning” pointed out that Xu Hongbing had previously appeared publicly in a positive light, hosting meetings on rectifying the political and legal teams and emphasizing the integrity requirement of “watching your words and actions.” The sudden revelation of his own misconduct has caused a dramatic conflict and deeply touched the public nerve, fitting into the media logic of “the collapse of a public figure’s image”.
The case of Xu Hongbing has exposed the hidden nature of officials taking advantage of their positions for personal gain. For example, village cadres in Pingdingshan used the guise of environmental protection rectification to engage in profit skimming.
Another article by the blogger “Anti-Corruption Pen” stated that the surrender of Xu Hongbing, the deputy mayor of Pingdingshan City, has shaken the hearts of countless people. Such events are not coincidental, as they conceal deeper layers of corruption chains.
The article mentioned, “Xu Hongbing’s career hides unspeakable secrets. The demands he shouted at meetings sharply contrast with his underlying behaviors. Xu Hongbing’s case is just the tip of the iceberg, and the future of Pingdingshan City appears dimmer due to his downfall.”