China has expelled former Politburo member Ma Xingrui from the Communist Party following allegations of graft.

The removal of such a high-ranking official signals a deepening of President Xi Jinping's long-running anti-corruption campaign. Because the Politburo serves as the primary decision-making body for the nation, these purges indicate a willingness to target the highest levels of party leadership to ensure political loyalty and institutional discipline.

Ma Xingrui is the third sitting member of the Politburo to be removed in the current anti-graft drive [1]. This series of expulsions has occurred since 2026 [1]. The Politburo consisted of 24 members before these recent purges began [1].

Authorities in Beijing announced the expulsion on Tuesday. The move follows a pattern of disciplinary actions aimed at cleaning up the party's internal ranks. While specific details of the graft charges against Ma were not elaborated upon in the announcement, the action aligns with the broader strategy of the central government to eliminate systemic corruption within its administrative structures.

The campaign has increasingly focused on officials with significant influence over regional and national policy. By targeting members of the 24-person inner circle [1], the leadership demonstrates that no official is immune to the party's disciplinary oversight. This approach has characterized the political landscape since the current drive intensified in 2026 [1].

Ma's exit follows the removal of two other Politburo members as the party continues to scrutinize the conduct of its top tier. The process of removing members from both the party and the Politburo typically precedes further legal proceedings, or permanent bans from public service.

“Ma Xingrui is the third sitting member of the Politburo to be removed in the current anti-graft drive.”

The expulsion of Ma Xingrui underscores a period of high volatility within China's top leadership. By purging three members of the 24-person Politburo in a relatively short window, the central government is not only fighting financial corruption but is also consolidating power. This suggests that the anti-graft campaign remains a primary tool for ensuring absolute adherence to the current administration's directives.