Chinese President Xi Jinping at the closing session of the National People's Congress in Beijing in March
China’s corruption purge targets the energy sector
Beijing’s renewed targeting of NOC management could threaten investment
China is ramping up a new crackdown on corruption within its sprawling NOCs, which together produced 95% of the country’s oil and gas last year. But the sweeping probes risk spooking industry leaders and stifling activity at a time when Beijing is keeping up the pressure on its state-controlled firms to boost production to ensure energy security. Since January, at least a dozen current and former senior officials in CNPC, Sinopec and CNOOC have come under investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the feared top anti-corruption watchdog of the Communist Party. The accelerating pace of detentions has put the Chinese oil and gas sector on notice for more turmoil
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
