China expelled former Politburo member Ma Xingrui from the ruling Communist Party, accusing him of a wide range of offenses including corruption, abuse of power and trading political favors for sex. The announcement marks a significant escalation in President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign targeting high-ranking officials.

The party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection stated that Ma Xingrui violated political discipline, accepted bribes, abused his authority, and engaged in "trading power for sex." He allegedly used his positions to seek benefits for others and accepted massive amounts of money and property.

Ma Xingrui, who previously served as governor of Guangdong province and party secretary of Xinjiang, was a member of the 20th Politburo. His expulsion follows an investigation that began in April. The decision requires approval from a full plenary session of the Central Committee.

This case underscores the ongoing purge within China's political elite, with several senior officials removed in recent years over corruption allegations.