Former Xinjiang vice-chairman expelled, removed from office

Chen Weijun, former vice-chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regional government, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China and dismissed from public office for serious violations of Party discipline and national laws, the country's top anti-corruption agencies announced on Monday.

The decision was disclosed online following an investigation by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision.

Investigators found that Chen obstructed inspections, violated regulations by accepting banquet invitations and sought benefits for others in personnel appointments and promotions. He was also found to have condoned and acquiesced in family members using his official influence for personal gain, illegally accepted gifts, money and shopping cards, improperly borrowed money from individuals and entities under his supervision or service, and engaged in profit-making activities in violation of regulations.

In addition, Chen was found to have engaged extensively in power-for-money transactions, using his positions to seek benefits for others in areas including project land use, tax reductions and project contracting in exchange for large sums of money and valuables.

The commissions said Chen's actions constituted serious violations of Party discipline and national laws. He has been expelled from the Party and removed from public office. His suspected criminal case has been transferred to prosecutors for further review, and the assets involved have been handed over.

Public records show that Chen, 60, a native of Zhejiang province, joined the Party in June 1985 and began his career in August 1986. He worked in Zhejiang for decades, holding several key positions, including mayor of Huzhou and deputy governor of the province.

In May 2021, Chen was transferred to Xinjiang, where he later became vice-chairman of the regional government.

In November 2025, he was placed under disciplinary and supervisory investigation for alleged serious violations of Party discipline and national laws.