China Investigates Former Wuhan Mayor Zhou Xianwang for Corruption

Chinese authorities have launched an investigation into Zhou Xianwang, the former mayor of Wuhan, for suspected "serious violations of discipline and law," a phrase commonly associated with corruption. Zhou, who served as Wuhan's top Communist Party official from 2018 to early 2021, played a significant role in managing the initial COVID-19 outbreak and was known for defending the city’s delayed response to the pandemic. The anti-corruption probe is part of President Xi Jinping's broader campaign against graft within the Communist Party, which supporters say promotes clean governance while critics argue it is used to remove political opponents. Zhou is currently undergoing disciplinary review and supervision, although specific details about the allegations or timing of the misconduct have not been disclosed. Before the investigation, Zhou held various high-level positions, including vice chairman of a provincial committee under China’s political advisory body. Reports suggest the investigation may be connected to a broader corruption probe involving other regional officials in Hubei province.