Analytic Guidance: Watching for Chinese Intelligence Service Purges

Beijing's expansive anti-corruption campaign might have found a new institution to target. On Feb. 25, Ma Jian, China's vice minister of the Ministry of State Security — the nation's top intelligence institution — was removed from his seat on the Chinese People's Political Consultative Congress. The removal followed a Jan. 16 announcement that the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection was investigating him for corruption.

The Ministry of State Security conducts surveillance on Communist Party of China officials at all levels — perhaps even members of China's highest governing body, the Politburo Standing Committee — making it an extraordinarily powerful and politically sensitive institution. A number of developments indicate that President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption drive may soon target the Ministry of State Security in order to strengthen his hold and replace key leaders. Such a course could also ensure that Xi has access to intelligence on potential threats in the Chinese hierarchy and prevent the institution from being turned against him.