Chinese authorities are enhancing their anti-corruption measures by increasing oversight on officials with family members residing abroad, known as 'naked officials.'
Chinese authorities are expanding their anti-corruption efforts by reinforcing oversight of officials who have family members living overseas, a group referred to as 'naked officials' (裸官). According to various sources cited by the Hong Kong South China Morning Post, China's anti-corruption body has been scrutinizing senior officials across government ministries and state-owned enterprises for potential connections abroad since early last year. The Central Organization Department of the Communist Party of China has initiated a review of core personnel holding key positions, with some individuals reportedly resigning or being dismissed as a result of these investigations.
The term 'naked officials' typically refers to bureaucrats whose spouses and children have relocated overseas. Similar to the South Korean concept of 'goose fathers', these officials have been at the center of social concerns due to their propensity to hide assets gained through corrupt practices. Since 2014, the Chinese government has barred officials whose families are entirely based abroad from being promoted or holding significant positions within the party, government, military, or state-owned enterprises. These officials are also required to regularly report their family relationships and assets outside of mainland China, highlighting the issues surrounding corruption and transparency within the government.
Recently, the scrutiny has been broadened to include 'quasi-naked officials' (준뤄관), who have only children residing abroad. Reports indicate that some of these officials have faced exclusion from promotions or have stepped down from their roles. High-level executives from state-owned insurance companies and government research institutions have been removed from their positions after it was revealed that their children's status, such as obtaining U.S. permanent residency, was hidden. These actions reflect an intensified crackdown on corruption, particularly focusing on the connections officials maintain abroad and the risks associated with such relationships.
