China Expands Anti-Corruption Net to Catch 'Quasi-Naked Officials

Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign has entered a new phase. This time, Beijing isn't just targeting traditional "naked officials" whose spouses and children live overseas—it's casting a wider net to include "quasi-naked officials" whose children alone reside abroad.

Since early last year, Chinese authorities have quietly conducted inspections within government bodies and state-owned enterprises, scrutinizing the overseas connections of top officials and executives. The move represents a significant expansion of what was already the world's most extensive anti-corruption drive, now in its 12th year.

The Expanding Surveillance Web

A Communist Party insider, speaking anonymously due to the topic's sensitivity, explained the new category: "Quasi-naked officials are those whose children are living abroad, but their spouses are still in China. They are now placed under heightened monitoring and have to report relevant information in a timely manner."

The Central Organisation Department, the party's top personnel organ, carried out a nationwide survey in the first half of last year to investigate officials' overseas ties. Some officials have reportedly lost promotion opportunities or even their positions as a result of these inspections.

Traditionally, Beijing has viewed "naked officials"—those with both spouses and children overseas—as corruption risks, suspecting they might have established escape routes for themselves and their ill-gotten gains. The expansion to quasi-naked officials suggests the party's growing paranoia about any form of overseas connection.

Why Now?

The timing isn't coincidental. As China pivots from its Zero-COVID policy toward economic recovery, Xi appears determined to ensure absolute loyalty within party and government ranks. The intensifying US-China rivalry has likely heightened suspicions about officials with Western connections.

For quasi-naked officials whose children study in the US or Europe, the concern isn't just about potential flight risks—it's about ideological contamination and possible intelligence vulnerabilities. In Beijing's view, children exposed to Western values could become conduits for foreign influence or information leakage.

Global Business Implications

This crackdown creates new uncertainties for multinational corporations operating in China. If key personnel in Chinese state-owned enterprises or government agencies face career limitations due to overseas family ties, it could disrupt established business relationships and partnership networks.

The move also signals a potential retreat from China's previous embrace of globally-minded officials. For decades, overseas education and international experience were seen as valuable assets in China's bureaucracy. This shift suggests ideology and loyalty now trump global competence.

The Loyalty vs. Competence Trade-off

The expansion of anti-corruption measures to quasi-naked officials reveals a fundamental tension in China's governance model. While the party seeks absolute loyalty, it also needs competent officials who understand global markets and international relations.

By potentially sidelining officials with overseas family connections, Beijing risks creating a more insular leadership class. This could impact China's ability to navigate complex international negotiations, understand foreign markets, or maintain sophisticated diplomatic relationships.