Senior Chinese propaganda official Zhang Jianchun faces corruption investigation
- Central Publicity Department says it ‘fully supports’ the investigation into its deputy head Zhang
A senior Chinese propaganda official has been placed under investigation by the country’s top anti-corruption agency.
Zhang Jianchun, 59, a deputy head of the Central Publicity Department, is under investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission for “suspected serious disciplinary and legal violations” – the usual euphemism for corruption or political misdeeds.
It is unusual for serving senior members of the publicity department, formerly the propaganda department, to be placed under investigation and Zhang is the first to be snared by the country’s sweeping anti-corruption drive since the national party congress in 2022.
On Friday night, the department, which is responsible for disseminating the party’s messages and monitoring China’s heavily restricted media, held a meeting to discuss Zhang’s alleged wrongdoing.
A notice on its website said participants “unanimously agreed to stand by the party’s decision and fully support the investigation”.
The meeting emphasised the importance of upholding party discipline and promoting a clean government, citing the party’s commitment to “fully implementing the spirit” of party leader Xi Jinping’s instructions and “resolutely fighting against corruption.”
