CHINA

Former NDRC Deputy Head Xu Xianping Sentenced to 15 Years for Bribery

Published: Jul. 29, 2026 10:15 p.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

The Intermediate People’s Court in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, delivers a first-instance verdict on July 29 in the bribery case of former NDRC vice chairman Xu Xianping. Photo: CCTV News

A Chinese court on Wednesday sentenced Xu Xianping, a former deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), to 15 years in prison for accepting 62.5 million yuan ($9.2 million) in bribes.

The case against the former senior official at China’s top economic-planning agency highlights Beijing’s continuing anti-corruption drive, including its scrutiny of retired officials accused of using lingering influence for personal gain.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Save an extra $50. Introductory offer for new readers. Subscribe now.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

Xu Xianping, former deputy head of China's NDRC, sentenced to 15 years for accepting 62.5 million yuan ($9.2 million) in bribes.
The 72-year-old held senior posts from 2001-2021; he confessed and returned illicit gains, resulting in a lenient sentence and a 5 million yuan fine.
His case was featured in a January 2026 anti-corruption documentary as an example of post-retirement corruption.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

2001：: Xu Xianping began using his positions to help companies and individuals with business operations, project contracts, and personnel arrangements.

2009：: Xu Xianping moved to Beijing to become a deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), overseeing transportation, urbanization, and energy.

December 2014：: Xu Xianping left his position at the NDRC.

August 2016：: Xu Xianping was appointed a counselor of the State Council.

March 2025：: Xu Xianping was placed under investigation, more than a decade after departing the NDRC.

November 2025：: Xu Xianping was expelled from the Communist Party.

January 2026：: Xu Xianping's case was featured in an anti-corruption television documentary produced by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision.

July 29, 2026：: A Chinese court sentenced Xu Xianping to 15 years in prison for accepting 62.5 million yuan ($9.2 million) in bribes, fined him 5 million yuan, and ordered the confiscation of his illegal proceeds.

AI generated, for reference only