Why Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption crusade is now policing loyalty, lifestyles and even luck

China’s decade-long anti-corruption drive under Xi Jinping has transformed from tackling graft to enforcing political loyalty and ideological conformity. Party watchdogs now scrutinize officials’ beliefs, associations, and leisure activities, extending beyond traditional bribery to include “political discipline” and “elegant corruption.” This broadens the campaign’s scope to ensure strict adherence to Beijing’s directives and Xi’s policy priorities across the Communist Party apparatus.