BUSINESS

Beijing Targets Former Nuclear Energy Leader in Corruption Probe

Published: Jan. 20, 2026 4:05 a.m. GMT+8

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Gu Jun. Photo: VCG

Gu Jun, former general manager of China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC), is under investigation for alleged “severe violations of discipline and law,” China’s top anti-corruption agency said Monday.

The 63-year-old nuclear veteran is the latest high-ranking figure in the energy industry to be targeted as Beijing intensifies its efforts to root out corruption within strategically vital state-owned enterprises.

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Gu Jun, former general manager of CNNC, is under investigation for "severe violations of discipline and law."
Gu played key roles in major nuclear projects, including international cooperation and leading China’s Hualong One reactor development.
As of end-2025, China had 59 nuclear reactors (62.3 GW capacity) and 35 units under construction (42.2 GW), ranking second globally.

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Who’s Who

China National Nuclear Corp.: China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC) is a state-owned enterprise critical to China's nuclear power development. It played a significant role in developing reactors like the Hualong One. The former general manager, Gu Jun, is under investigation for alleged "severe violations of discipline and law." CNNC is at the forefront of China's efforts to expand nuclear capacity, operating 59 reactors by 2025 and having 35 more under construction.

China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Group: China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Group (中国核工业建设集团公司) merged with China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC) in 2018. Following the merger, Gu Jun was appointed General Manager of the consolidated CNNC. This group, along with CNNC, is involved in China's nuclear power development, including the Hualong One reactor.

State Nuclear Power Technology Corp.: Gu Jun led the State Nuclear Power Technology Corp. (国家核电技术公司) as general manager from 2011, focusing on technology transfers and innovation. Notably, he oversaw the deployment of AP1000 technology at the Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant.

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What Happened When

1983：: Gu Jun graduated from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and was assigned to the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant.

1995：: Gu Jun served as lead translator and technical negotiator in the Qinshan Phase III project.

2004：: Gu Jun transferred to the Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant.

2011：: Gu Jun became general manager of State Nuclear Power Technology Corp.

2018：: Following the merger of CNNC and China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Group, Gu Jun was appointed general manager of the consolidated CNNC.

Since 2021：: Regulators have greenlit more than 10 new nuclear units each year.

Early 2024：: Gu Jun stepped down from his roles as general manager and deputy party chief at CNNC.

As of the end of 2025：: China operated 59 nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 62.3 gigawatts and had an additional 35 units under construction, maintaining its status as the world’s most active builder of nuclear plants for the 19th consecutive year.