China’s top anti-graft authorities have launched a formal investigation into Zhang Jianlong, former director of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, for suspected serious breaches of Communist Party discipline and national laws. The announcement was made public on Thursday by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Supervisory Commission.
The 69-year-old career forestry official, who joined the Communist Party in 1985, rose through the ranks of China’s forestry bureaucracy over several decades. His appointment as deputy head of the former State Forestry Administration came in October 2003, followed by his promotion to leadership of the organization in 2015.
Following governmental restructuring efforts, Zhang assumed dual roles in 2018 as both a member of the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Party Leadership Group and head of the newly established National Forestry and Grassland Administration. He vacated these positions in May 2020 but subsequently took on responsibilities as a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, where he served as deputy director of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
The investigation represents the latest development in China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has remained a cornerstone of President Xi Jinping’s governance strategy. The case demonstrates the continued scrutiny of high-ranking officials even after their retirement from active government service.