China has dismissed two senior Tibetan officials from Yunnan province following investigations into alleged “serious violations of discipline and law,” according to an announcement made on February 23.
The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) has expressed concern over the vague charges, which Chinese authorities frequently use in crackdowns on dissent and internal corruption. The officials removed from their posts are Qi Jianxin, a former governor, and Jangchup (Jiang Chu), the former vice governor of Dechen (Diqing) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan. Both, being ethnic Tibetans, were ousted in what appears to be an effort by Beijing to tighten its control over Tibetan governance.
According to ICT, the Chinese Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission provided minimal details regarding the allegations but accused the officials of having “seriously violated the Party’s political discipline,” being “disloyal and dishonest to the Party,” and making “illegal gains.”
Reports suggest that such allegations are a common feature of China’s opaque anti-corruption campaigns. The similarity in accusations leveled against Qi and Jangchup indicates a possible coordinated effort to target Tibetan officials who may be seen as acting independently or prioritizing local interests over Beijing’s centralized rule.
ICT noted that investigations into the two officials commenced in early 2024, culminating in their removal by the end of the year after being scrutinized by China’s anti-corruption agency. Jangchup reportedly surrendered to the agency in February 2024 and was dismissed on May 19, 2024, while Qi Jianxin was removed from his post on April 9, 2024. Authorities later stated that their “suspected criminal issues” had been handed over to the procuratorate for further legal proceedings.
The dismissal of ethnic Tibetan officials under charges of suspected disloyalty reflects Beijing’s broader concerns regarding local autonomy and independence. This move is reportedly aimed at eliminating political rivals, consolidating control over Tibetan regions, and reinforcing Beijing’s authority in areas of political sensitivity.