A former member of one of China’s most influential decision-making bodies has been formally charged with accepting bribes, state media reported on Thursday. This legal development occurs exactly one week after Communist Party leaders confirmed the official’s expulsion from the party.
According to the Xinhua state news agency, prosecutors in Yichang, a city located in the central province of Hubei, have accused Ma Xingrui of leveraging his various leadership positions to accept “exceptionally large” bribes. The charges further allege that Ma utilized his authority to secure benefits for other individuals while also accepting financial assets for himself. While the report did not provide specific details on the methods used, it noted that the crimes were carried out by exploiting the powers and benefits afforded to him during his career.
Ma was appointed to the Politburo in 2022. His political downfall became public in April when authorities announced he was under investigation for severe violations of national laws and party discipline, though they offered no further specifics at the time. His extensive career included leadership roles at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, a state-owned enterprise overseeing parts of China's space program. Additionally, he served as the party secretary of the technology hub Shenzhen, the governor of Guangdong province, and the Communist Party chief of the Xinjiang region until 2025. In the Chinese political system, the party leader holds a higher rank than a provincial governor.
The formal charges against Ma are part of a broader anti-corruption campaign. Communist Party leaders recently ratified the expulsions of more than 30 senior officials, including a top general who served until early this year. With Ma’s removal, the 24-member Politburo has now seen three members purged, including two military generals. Analysts have stated that this ongoing campaign is intended to root out corruption while simultaneously enforcing loyalty to President Xi.
