Ex-NDRC Deputy’s Televised Confession Sheds Light on ‘Revolving Door’ Graft
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Xu Xianping, a former deputy director of China’s top economic planner, spent decades climbing from a refinery factory floor to the halls of power where he helped draft the nation’s five-year development plans. On Monday, however, he appeared before millions of televiewers not as a remarkable statesman, but as a cautionary tale.
“I thought the ship had docked and the bus had reached the station, so I had no more scruples. I didn’t take the soliciting of favors and seeking of personal gains seriously. The world is truly wonderful — something I only realized after retiring. I let myself go completely,” Xu said, appearing on an anti-graft documentary series co-produced by China’s top graft watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), and state broadcaster CCTV.
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- Xu Xianping, ex-deputy director of China's top economic planner, was expelled from the Communist Party in 2025 for post-retirement corruption.
- He exploited elite connections and “option-style” bribes through family and associates, amassing millions via property favors, company shares, and long-term collusion.
- Xu’s case illustrates Beijing’s crackdown on retired officials who cash in on influence, highlighting sophisticated graft practices after leaving office.
[para. 1]
- 2000：
- Xu Xianping's relationship with Chen Zhidong, the developer of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon scenic area, began. Xu was overseeing construction and finance in Hunan.
- 2004：
- Xu's relationship with Fang Hong (Hunan businessman) dates back to this year, when Xu was deputy governor of Hunan province.
- 2007：
- Xu arranged for his relatives to purchase a 5% stake in Chen Zhidong’s company (at a symbolic payment) and also arranged for a company controlled by his wife’s brother-in-law to hold a 1.5% stake in Fang Hong’s company.
- 2009-2015：
- Xu Xianping served as deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
- 2015：
- Xu stepped back to a 'second-line' or semi-retired position at the NDRC.
- After 2015：
- Xu accepted appointments as a distinguished professor and remained active in academic and advisory roles.
- 2018-2019：
- Xu sold the 1.5% shares in Fang Hong’s company for a profit of millions of yuan.
- 2018-2025：
- The Xu family had exclusive use of a silver Mercedes-Benz provided by Fang Hong’s company.
- 2020：
- Chen Zhidong bought back the 5% equity from Xu’s proxies at a high valuation, enabling Xu to gain tens of millions of yuan.
- July 2023：
- Xu Xianping formally retired.
- March 2025：
- Xu was placed under investigation.
- By November 2025：
- Xu was expelled from the Communist Party and his case was transferred to prosecutors.
- Monday, January 12, 2026：
- Xu appeared on an anti-graft documentary series, making a televised confession.
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