China, former Wuhan mayor investigated for corruption, he had managed the beginning of Covid

The Chinese authorities have opened an investigation into Zhou Xianwang, the former mayor of the city of Wuhan, known for his role in managing the initial phase of the Covid-19 epidemic. According to reports from the Central Anti-Corruption Bodies of the Communist Party, Zhou is suspected of "serious violations of discipline and law", a formula commonly used in China to indicate cases of corruption.

Zhou, who led Wuhan from 2018 to early 2021, is currently under disciplinary review and investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission. After his post in Wuhan, he held other high-level roles, including vice president of a provincial-level political consultative commission. The investigation is part of the vast anti-corruption campaign launched by President Xi Jinping, which, according to supporters, aims to ensure transparency, but which critics say is also a means of eliminating internal party opponents.