In recent years, China has witnessed a significant expansion of its network of specialised detention facilities, a direct consequence of President Xi Jinping’s intensifying anti-corruption campaign.
These newly established centres, more than 200 nationwide, are a core element of his broader crackdown, which not only targets Communist Party members but also encompasses figures from various public sectors.
This includes private entrepreneurs, school and hospital administrators, and others in positions of public power.
Since Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, his anti-corruption drive has made substantial strides in removing corrupt officials and political rivals. This process has played a pivotal role in consolidating his control over the party, military, and public institutions.
Now, as he enters his third term, Xi has institutionalised the crackdown, making it a permanent feature of his administration. These detention facilities, known as "Liuzhi" or "retention in custody," are a key instrument in this long-term strategy.
The Liuzhi system represents a continuation and expansion of the previous system, "Shuanggui," which was used by the Communist Party’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) to interrogate suspected officials.
Although Xi Jinping officially abolished the Shuanggui system in 2018, criticism surrounding forced confessions and abuses led to its rebranding under the National Supervisory Commission (NSC).
This new system, while codifying detention practices, retains many of the controversial aspects of its predecessor, such as prolonged incommunicado detention, lack of legal representation, and limited family visits.
Liuzhi facilities are designed to hold detainees for extended periods, up to six months, without access to legal counsel or contact with family members. The centres are equipped with padded cells, 24/7 surveillance, and other security features aimed at preventing detainees from harming themselves.
However, this system has drawn concerns from human rights advocates, who argue that detainees are still subjected to coercive practices, including psychological and physical abuse.
One criminal defence lawyer involved in corruption cases related to Chinese officials reported that many detainees eventually succumb to the intense pressure and agree to confessions, while only a small minority manage to resist.
The scope of the Liuzhi system is far-reaching, targeting not only Communist Party members but also anyone exercising public power. This includes civil servants, managers in state-owned enterprises, and even private business figures suspected of engaging in corruption.
In addition, the system has now expanded to include individuals connected to high-profile corruption cases, such as businessmen accused of bribing officials under investigation.
Notable detainees under the Liuzhi system include billionaire investment banker Bao Fan and former football star Li Tie, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for corruption.
Proponents of the Liuzhi system argue that it addresses long-standing issues within China's public sector, such as bribery in hospitals and the misuse of school funds.
These critics claim that this expansion of power is necessary to combat systemic corruption. However, others view it as a means for Xi Jinping to further tighten his grip on power and control over various sectors of society.
Between 2017 and 2024, over 200 Liuzhi centres have been constructed, with more planned. This marks a sharp increase from previous years, particularly in regions with significant ethnic minority populations.
The building of such facilities, particularly those in poorer or more remote areas, has been backed by the NSC’s growing influence and efforts to standardise the detention process.
The expansion also reflects a shift away from the ad-hoc use of private locations, such as hotels and villas, for interrogations under the former system.
Despite the government’s claims that Liuzhi is a step towards a more transparent and lawful anti-corruption effort, the system continues to operate largely outside of the judicial process.
Detainees are denied access to legal representation and often face prolonged periods of detention without trial. In addition, despite reforms, there have been numerous reports of mistreatment and forced confessions.
Some detainees, like former architect Chen Jianjun, have shared harrowing accounts of the abuse they endured during their time in custody, including being forced to sit in a single position for hours, sleep deprivation, and harsh interrogations.
As the system expands, there is increasing scrutiny from both domestic and international human rights organisations, who argue that the Liuzhi system is a form of legalised abuse, operating beyond the reach of independent oversight.
Legal experts have raised concerns that the laws surrounding Liuzhi provide a legal façade to a system that, in practice, remains prone to arbitrary detention and mistreatment.
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