China's anti-graft watchdog investigates Beijing deputy mayor Xia Linmao
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The gist
China's anti-graft watchdog placed Beijing deputy mayor Xia Linmao under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.
He ranked first among the capital's eight deputy mayors and ran its day-to-day government.
Background
Xia Linmao is a Beijing deputy mayor, 56, an alternate member of the ruling Communist Party's Central Committee, and ranked first among the capital's eight deputy mayors, handling the everyday running of the municipal government. The investigation was announced by China's national anti-graft watchdog, which said he was suspected of serious violations of discipline and law. The case surfaces as the Communist Party prepares to hold a key conclave on internal governance and discipline in Beijing next week.
How it unfolded
- Oct 20, 2026An overseas commentator says Xia Linmao was formally taken away by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection the previous day and that his home was searched at the same time.
- Oct 21, 2026A video says reports remain unverified and discusses rumors about Xia Linmao's fate alongside speculation over Cai Qi and the upcoming Party meeting.
- Oct 22, 2026China's national anti-graft watchdog said Beijing deputy mayor Xia Linmao was placed under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The national anti-graft watchdog said Xia Linmao was placed under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.
- Commentator
- Independent commentator Cai Shenkun says he learned Xia was formally taken away by the CCDI and his home searched, and that Cai Qi tried to protect him but was unable to plead for him.
- Caution
- A video channel says reports on Xia Linmao's fate remain unverified.
Still unverified
Cai Shenkun claims Xia Linmao was formally taken away by the CCDI and his home searched, and that Cai Qi tried but failed to plead for him; a video channel says reports on Xia's fate remain unverified. Rumors circulated overseas that Xia was going to take over as secretary of the Beijing Municipal Government's party leadership group and mayor of Beijing. The commentator also says the CCDI conducted a thorough investigation lasting over a year and must have obtained solid evidence of corruption.