The specific nature of the alleged violations has not been disclosed, and this investigation follows other high-profile removals of senior officials earlier this year.
China's Communist Party disciplinary body announced on Friday an investigation into former Xinjiang party chief Ma Xingrui for suspected violations of discipline and law. Ma, a member of the party's Central Committee, served as party secretary of the Xinjiang region from 2021 to 2025.
Investigation Launched into Former Xinjiang Party Chief
On Friday, China's Communist Party disciplinary body initiated an investigation into Ma Xingrui, the former party chief of the Xinjiang region. The probe concerns suspected violations of discipline and law. The specific allegations against Ma Xingrui have not been publicly disclosed.
Ma Xingrui's Profile and Political Career
Ma Xingrui is a member of the Communist Party's Central Committee. He served as the party secretary for the Xinjiang region in China's northwest from 2021 to 2025. Prior to this significant role, his positions included director of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission and deputy party chief in Guangdong province.
Ma was replaced as Xinjiang party chief by Chen Xiaojiang in July.
Broader Context of Recent Probes
The investigation into Ma Xingrui is part of a series of actions taken this year against senior officials. This includes the removal of China's top military general in January, indicating a broader crackdown or reform effort within the party.
Xinjiang Region and Evolving Policies
The Xinjiang region has garnered international attention concerning reports of extrajudicial detentions. China had detained a significant number of minorities, including ethnic Uyghur Muslims, with authorities stating these actions were in response to attacks attributed to Uyghur extremists. Some reports indicate numbers of detained minorities as high as one million or more.
By 2021, the year Ma Xingrui became party secretary, China stated that most detention centers had been closed. However, some sites were reportedly converted into prison-like facilities. Information released to The Associated Press, along with other leaked information, indicated that thousands of Uyghurs received long prison sentences based on charges that experts described as unsubstantiated, unfounded, or fabricated.
In March, China enacted a law that analysts suggest reinforces an assimilationist approach toward ethnic minority groups. This law builds upon previous policy changes implemented at the provincial level in Xinjiang and other regions.