Beijing : A decade ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping assumed office with a promise to eradicate corruption within the ranks of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). However, recent developments reveal a stark contradiction, as several of Xi's confidants and CCP leaders now find themselves entangled in serious corruption allegations. The latest addition to this growing list is former Vice Justice Minister Liu Zhiqiang, who is currently under "disciplinary review and supervisory investigation" for corruption charges.

The surge in corruption cases is evident, with a staggering 110,000 CCP officials facing graft allegations in 2023 alone, marking a 13 percent increase compared to the previous year. These figures, released by the Chinese anticorruption agency Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, cast doubt on Xi's assertion of achieving an "overwhelming victory" in the battle against corruption.

Despite efforts by Xi's administration to portray strict action against corruption, skepticism persists among the populace. The release of a documentary titled "Zero Tolerance" aimed to showcase the success of the anticorruption campaign, yet failed to sway public opinion. Social media platforms echoed sentiments of disillusionment, with one Chinese national remarking, "The cost of committing crimes is too low and the attraction too high."

Reports further unveil discrepancies in Xi's narrative of wealth redistribution, as investigations reveal significant increases in wealth among his relatives and associates. Xi's sister, Qi Qiaoqiao, notably reaped substantial profits through her real estate company's acquisition of prime land parcels. Moreover, revelations from the Panama Papers implicated the involvement of Xi's family members and top CCP leaders in offshore deals, highlighting systemic corruption within the party's ranks.

Among those implicated in the scandal, Xi's brother-in-law Deng Jiagui and the teenage daughter of CCP politician Jia Qinglin were linked to offshore transactions aimed at concealing substantial wealth. Sociologist and economist Shaomin Li remarked on Xi's promotion of individuals with personal loyalty, emphasizing a pattern of nepotism and cronyism within the party.

The Panama Papers also shed light on the offshore dealings of other prominent CCP figures, including former President Hu Jintao, former Premier Wen Jiabao, and paramount leader Deng Xiaoping. The revelations underscored the widespread corruption permeating CCP leadership, eroding public trust and legitimacy.

Despite China's status as the world's second-largest economy, its ranking of 76th on the Corruption Perceptions Index compiled by Transparency International in 2023 reflects the deep-seated corruption within the CCP. Shaomin Li condemned the party's corruption as detrimental to its legitimacy and public morality, emphasizing the prevalence of promotions through secret negotiations and bribery.

In essence, the intricate web of corruption within the CCP resembles that of a mafia organization, where hierarchy reigns supreme, and deviations are swiftly punished. As revelations continue to unravel, the integrity of CCP leadership remains under intense scrutiny, posing profound implications for China's political landscape and global standing.