For more than a decade, Xi Jinping has promoted an aggressive “anti-corruption” campaign, yet corruption has not decreased—instead, it has worsened.

The fundamental reason is that this so-called anti-corruption drive is merely a political show aimed at eliminating rivals under the guise of rooting out corruption. As long as someone is loyal and part of Xi’s circle, corruption simply isn’t an issue.

This is why local officials feel emboldened to ruthlessly oppress and persecute ordinary people—they know they have the tacit approval and protection of those at the top.