CHINA

China Expels Former Inner Mongolia Party Chief Over Corruption

Published: Sep. 10, 2026 9:46 a.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

Sun Shaocheng

China’s top anti-graft watchdog has expelled a former provincial party chief and cabinet minister from the Communist Party and public office, accusing him of taking massive bribes, engaging in superstitious activities and failing to discipline his family.

Sun Shaocheng, who previously served as the party chief of the northern border region of Inner Mongolia and as China’s first minister of veterans affairs, has been referred to prosecutors for criminal charges, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said Wednesday.

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.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and Bloomberg - for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

Sun Shaocheng, former Inner Mongolia party chief and first veterans affairs minister, expelled from Communist Party and public office for bribes, superstition, and improper family conduct.
Referred to prosecutors for criminal charges; fifth full minister-level official targeted by anti-corruption campaign in 2026, joining Yi Huiman and Wang Xiangxi.
Case follows Sun's January investigation (age 66) after stepping down; his illicit gains confiscated, 20th Party Congress delegate status stripped.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

Before 1984：: Sun Shaocheng graduates from Shandong University and enters the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

2009：: Sun becomes a vice minister and party group member at the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

2012：: After the 18th Party Congress in 2012, Sun’s corruption continues unabated.

2014：: Sun is transferred to Shanxi province after a brief stint as vice governor in Shandong.

February 2017：: Sun returns to the Ministry of Civil Affairs as a deputy party chief.

2018：: Sun is appointed as the inaugural minister of the newly established Ministry of Veterans Affairs.

April 2022：: Sun assumes the role of party secretary of Inner Mongolia.

August 2025：: Wang Lixia, Inner Mongolia’s chairwoman alongside Sun, is placed under investigation.

September 2025：: Sun hands over the party secretary role to Wang Weizhong.

Late October 2025：: Sun is appointed to the National People’s Congress committee.

January 2026：: Sun is officially placed under investigation, four months after stepping down.

February 2026：: Sun is stripped of his roles in the national legislature.

Article date (Wednesday)：: The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection announces Sun’s expulsion from the party and public office, and referral to prosecutors.

AI generated, for reference only