China's Communist Party pledges crackdown on passive ‘nice’ officials in anti-corruption push

Summary

The Communist Party of China has pledged to target "old nice persons" within its ranks as it steps up its anti-corruption drive ahead of a major leadership reshuffle next year. The term, rendered in Chinese as lao hao ren, refers to unprincipled, conflict-averse officials who turn a blind eye to misconduct to protect their own careers and social standing. A resolution adopted at the close of the 20th Central Committee's fifth plenum last week signalled a crackdown on this culture.

Timeline

1. South China Morning Post

   3 Nov 2026, 01:00 UTCSource ↗

   The South China Morning Post reports that the Communist Party has pledged to target passive "old nice persons" in its ranks as part of its anti-corruption push ahead of next year's leadership reshuffle.