China Expands Detention Facilities in Anti-Corruption Drive

China has significantly expanded its network of specialized detention facilities to over 200 as part of President Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which now targets not just Communist Party members but also a wide array of public officials and private entrepreneurs. This expanded detention system, known as 'liuzhi' or 'retention in custody,' allows detainees to be held for up to six months without access to legal counsel or family visits, in high-security conditions designed to instill fear and maintain control. Xi's anti-corruption efforts, initiated in 2012, have intensified during his third term, consolidating power by removing political rivals and punishing those perceived as corrupt. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) oversees these facilities in a secretive manner, continuing a historical practice of punitive detentions aimed at maintaining party discipline. Notably, Xi abolished the controversial 'shuanggui' practice in 2018, responding to criticism over abuses associated with such investigatory tactics. This broader crackdown reflects Xi's strategy to reinforce his authority and extend his influence throughout various sectors of Chinese society.