In Depth: Former Inner Mongolia Chairwoman Expelled From Party for Corruption

1. Former Inner Mongolia Chairwoman Wang Lixia, once regarded as a rising ethnic minority leader in China, has been expelled from the Communist Party and removed from public office, signaling the definitive end of her political career. Her expulsion came shortly after the downfall of her former superior Sun Shaocheng, suggesting an intensified anti-corruption campaign in Inner Mongolia. Wang, age 61 and an ethnic Mongol, faces prosecution for serious violations of party discipline and laws, particularly bribery. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) stated her case is now with prosecutors for further review ahead of indictment, marking a significant turn in Beijing's ongoing anti-corruption campaign targeting high-ranking officials [para. 1][para. 2][para. 3][para. 4].

2. Wang's removal is part of a broader crackdown targeting the resource-abundant Inner Mongolia region, which is crucial for China's energy security. Wang is the most recent in a line of high-level regional leaders investigated for corruption. The CCDI’s public condemnation was severe, accusing Wang of betraying the party’s core principles, failing the “Two Safeguards” doctrine, and exhibiting “compliance in appearance, opposition in deed.” She was also charged with personal misconduct, including indulging in luxury, accepting banquets, and violating the party’s eight-point austerity rules [para. 4][para. 5][para. 6][para. 7][para. 8].

3. The most serious allegations against Wang involve financial corruption. She is accused of using her official position to interfere in judicial processes, influencing the selection of cadres for personal benefit, and accepting large bribes tied to project approvals and construction contracts. Notably, her corrupt activities reportedly continued even after the 18th Party Congress in 2012, which is widely considered the beginning of the current anti-corruption era in China. Her swift downfall began in August 2025, coming less than a week after she was featured in state media leading flood relief efforts, thus abruptly ending a career that started in academia and rose to high provincial office [para. 8][para. 9].

4. Wang’s early career was marked by academic and technocratic achievements. Born in Liaoning province in 1964, she spent over three decades in Shaanxi province, attained a doctorate in economics, and began as a statistics professor. She entered government service in 2000 and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming mayor of Tongchuan, and later vice governor of Shaanxi. Wang gained media attention for a populist gesture in 2013 when she publicly ate a local apple to promote produce safety. However, her ascent also brought her into proximity with senior colleagues later convicted for corruption, including Li Jinzhu, who in 2024 received a suspended death sentence for taking over 430 million yuan ($60 million) in bribes [para. 10][para. 11][para. 12].

5. In 2016, Wang was transferred to Inner Mongolia and rose further, serving as the party secretary of Hohhot in 2019 during a scandal, and later as regional chairwoman in 2021. Ironically, despite her association with the anti-corruption drive, she became the fourth consecutive Hohhot party secretary to be investigated since 2012. As chairwoman, Wang oversaw government audit and policy, and was elected to the Central Committee at the 20th Party Congress, reflecting her status as a national-level figure [para. 13][para. 14][para. 15].

6. Wang’s political demise is emblematic of a wider anti-corruption effort in Inner Mongolia, particularly in the coal and resources sector. She is the 14th senior official from the region investigated since 2012. Other notable cases include former vice chairmen Pan Yiyang and Bai Xiangqun, and former party chief Yun Guangzhong. The 2026 crackdown covers central authorities as well, with Wang becoming the 11th central-managed cadre to face disciplinary and judicial action this year, signaling continued zero-tolerance for corruption [para. 16][para. 17][para. 18].

7. As a result of her expulsion, Wang’s party membership has been revoked, her properties confiscated, and her status as a National Congress delegate annulled. The procuratorate will now determine her charges and probable sentencing, advancing Beijing’s determination to root out corruption at all government levels [para. 19].