China’s top anti-corruption watchdog has launched an investigation into Xu Liuping, a former chairperson of major automakers FAW Group and Changan Auto, over “suspected serious violations of discipline and law,” a standard phrase used in China to indicate corruption-related probes.

The announcement was made on Saturday by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, China’s top anti-graft agency.

Xu, a ministerial-level official, most recently served as party chief of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions before the investigation was disclosed.

Career Across Major State Firms

Xu is a veteran of China South Industries Group Corporation (CSGC), a major state-owned defence and automotive conglomerate, where he spent more than a decade in senior roles.

CSGC was also the former parent company of Changan Auto, one of China’s major state-backed car manufacturers.

His leadership roles at FAW Group and Changan Auto placed him at the centre of China’s powerful state-owned automotive sector.

Anti-Corruption Drive Continues

China has maintained an extensive anti-corruption campaign across state-owned enterprises, the military and government bodies in recent years, targeting both current and former senior officials.

The latest probe reflects ongoing scrutiny of executives linked to strategic industries such as automotive manufacturing and defence-related enterprises.

(with inputs from Reuters)