China News / Why is China's President Jinping building detention centers all over the country?

China News: The anti-corruption campaign led by Chinese President Xi Jinping has taken a new direction. An investigation by American media channel CNN has revealed that Xi Jinping is building more than 200 special detention centers across the country. The purpose of these centers is to interrogate suspects of corruption and other wrongdoings, but behind this is the bigger goal of ensuring loyalty to the ruling Communist Party.

Anti-corruption campaign: Strong grip on the ruling party

Since taking power in 2012, Xi Jinping launched a massive campaign against corruption. However, this campaign was not limited to corrupt officials; through this he also worked to remove political rivals and critics. This strategy helped him strengthen his grip on the party and the army.

This campaign of Xi Jinping is not only an attempt to curb corruption, but is part of a plan to establish control over a large part of the public sector. Its effect is visible in efforts to control private entrepreneurs, educational institutions, hospital administration and even party members.

‘Liuzi’ detention system: Question mark on human rights

The extended detention system called ‘Liuzi’ has been implemented during Xi Jinping’s tenure. Under this, suspects can be detained for up to six months, where they have no right to meet a lawyer or family.

This system has long been controversial in China. Earlier, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) used to interrogate suspected party cadres through a secret detention system. This practice was called ‘Shuanggui’, in which officials were detained for months in hotels, party premises or other secret locations.

The end of Shuanggui, but the rise of a new system

The ‘Shuanggui’ practice was abolished in 2018 due to growing criticism and allegations of human rights violations. Despite this, new systems like ‘Liuzi’ replaced it. There have been incidents of serious human rights violations such as torture and forced confessions during interrogation of suspects in these detention centers.

Xi Jinping's strategy in the third term

Xi Jinping has not limited the anti-corruption campaign to just a policy effort in his third term but has made it a permanent and institutionalized pillar of his rule. This system is a warning bell for those who fail to follow the rules of the Communist Party.

Global response and criticism

These policies of Xi Jinping have given rise to severe criticism internationally. Human rights organizations and pro-democracy groups consider these practices a major attack on freedom of expression and human rights.

It is clear that Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign, although presents an image of transparency and honesty on the surface, its real purpose is to strengthen power and control. In such a situation, it will be interesting to see how this system affects China's internal politics and international relations in the future.