Xinjiang Communist Party boss and US sanctions target Chen Quanguo to leave post

State news agency Xinhua reports Chen Quanguo will be moving on to another role and replaced by Guangdong governor Ma Xingrui

Chen has been accused by the West of being behind widespread human rights abuses against Uygurs, but is tipped for further promotion

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Chen Quanguo, Xinjiang’s party chief. Photo: SCMP

Published: 5:02pm, 25 Dec 2021Updated: 10:51pm, 25 Dec 2021

Xinjiang’s Communist Party chief Chen Quanguo is to leave his post, state news agency Xinhua reported on Saturday.

Chen has been targeted by foreign sanctions over the crackdown targeting the Uygurs and other Muslim minorities in the region that he spearheaded, prompting allegations of widespread human rights abuses from the United States and other Western countries.

Beijing has defended its policies in the region, saying they are designed to combat extremism, and Chen is widely tipped to be transferred to another important position ahead of his elevation at next year’s party congress.

Xinhua said Chen would be appointed to another post, adding that he would be replaced by Ma Xingrui, the governor of Guangdong province.

Guangdong is an important springboard for promotion in the Communist Party system. It remains unknown who will take over the post of Guangdong governor.

The changes are part of a wider reshuffle ahead of next year’s party congress, where a new Politburo Standing Committee – the country’s top leadership body – will be unveiled.