Chinese leader Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign has entered a new phase, one that reaches far beyond bribery and financial misconduct. According to disciplinary records reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, nearly one million people were punished by Communist Party enforcers in 2025 alone, the highest annual figure since Xi took power.
While corruption remains a major focus, the campaign has increasingly turned into an effort to enforce political loyalty and ideological discipline across the party. Officials are now being scrutinised not only for economic wrongdoing but also for behaviour deemed incompatible with Communist Party values. Among the more unusual accusations are consulting fortune tellers, practising feng shui, praying to deities, and seeking guidance from spiritual figures.
