Zhang Shuofu, former Guangzhou Party Secretary, placed under investigation

Zhang Shuofu, a former Party Secretary of Guangzhou and current Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial People's Congress, is under investigation for suspected “serious violations of discipline and law.” The announcement was made by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission on October 8.

Zhang’s career has been marked by significant shifts, including roles in Hunan, Yunnan, and Beijing before his appointment in Guangzhou in 2018. His tenure in Guangzhou was notably impacted by a controversial large-scale removal of ancient banyan trees, an event that led to his reassignment to a secondary role in the provincial legislature in 2022.

Political analysts suggest his downfall may be linked to his historical ties to the political circle of former top anti-corruption official Wang Qishan, facilitated through former official Zhou Liang. Some observers view the investigation as part of a broader effort to address past political influences and settle accounts regarding previous administrative controversies.