According to an announcement by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) dated 30 September 2021, the arrest warrant for Sun Lijun, a former senior police officer, was released with charges of alleged abuse of power that has violations of law. Following his arrest, the disciplinary body arrested Fu Zhenghua, former justice minister on 2 October 2021 under the charges of violations of party discipline. This development has created a buzz in circles of Chinese policy analysts and the discussions of this development have also been trending in mainland China. It is evident from the analysis of Sun Lijun’s personal history, work profile, and position within the communist party that his arrest is more than corruption charges and is rooted in the differences and rifts within the communist party. Sun Lijun was first probed by the disciplinary body for violations of discipline and law on 19 April 2021.
Sun was born in 1969 in Shanghai and joined the Chinese Communist Party in 1997. Before his arrest, he was vice president of Public Security and deputy director of the 610 office. His long stint at the public security was under-grooming and guidance of the former Minister of Public Security, Meng Jianzhou. He has also served as the secretary of Meng. Immediately after the order of his arrests, Zhao Khezi, Minister of Public Security convened an emergency meeting and announced the arrest of Sun Lijun. He further reiterated the need to “clean the traces of Zhou Yongkang and Meng Hongwei”. It is clear that Sun Lijun’s arrest is linked with Zhou Yongkang – Xi Jingping’s biggest rival.
Sun Lijin was officially appointed as the director of the committee formed by the government to assess the situation at the epicenter of the Covid 19 pandemic, Wuhan. Xi has even handed over the decision-making power in Wuhan to Sun. Xi has over time showed confidence on Sun. However, all of the glory ended after a month when the top Chinese disciplinary body announced the charges against Sun Lijun of serious violations of law and discipline. The deliberate mention of “serious violations of discipline and law” and “clean the traces of Zhou Yongkang” indicates that the Sun Lijun’s arrest is beyond corruption charges and deeply rooted in the power feud within the Chinese Communist Party; the power to overthrow Xi Jingping and policy changes to form a new administration.
Fu Zhenghua was arrest after two days under the charges of “serious violations of discipline and law”. Fu was born in the Hebei province of China in 1955 and joined the Chinese Communist Party in 1970. He has undertaken positions such as Deputy Minister of Public Security and head of the 610 office. His portfolio reflects his experience in the field of law and security. Furthermore, both Fu Zhenghua and Sun Lijun have held senior positions of director and deputy director respectively in the 610 office. The 610 office was formed in 1999 by Jiang Zemin for the purpose of coordinating and implementing the persecution of Falun Gong. The twin arrests have created debate whether they are factions of Zhou Yongkang. Exiled Chinese billionaire, Gua Wengui has speculated the arrests of the officials before the currents developments. The media analysis has further indicated arrests of “old tigers” like Meng Jianzhu and Zeng Qinghong.
Translated from Tibetan.
