Beijing’s anti-corruption agency is currently probing business leader Zhou Jun, the president of Shanghai Industrial Investment. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) is investigating him for suspected serious breaches of law and discipline, which usually implies corruption. This comes after Zhou resigned from several subsidiaries of the state-owned group, possibly due to these ongoing probes.

This investigation is part of a broader crackdown that has seen over a dozen executives from various sectors such as technology, finance, and real estate be detained or investigated this year. Shanghai Industrial Investment is a significant player in China’s infrastructure, property, and pharmaceuticals industry. Former senior executive vice president at Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Zhang Hongli, is also under investigation by the CCDI. Tech entrepreneur Chen Shaojie is reportedly being investigated as well, causing concern among international consulting firms.

The developments have created a cautious and worried atmosphere within China’s business community. Fred Hu, CEO of Primavera Capital, recently spoke out about the need for legal reform in China to safeguard entrepreneurs from arbitrary political interference and prosecution. Hu’s statement highlights the growing concerns among business leaders about the lack of protection from the anti-corruption watchdog.

In conclusion, the anti-corruption crackdown in China has intensified this year with many high-profile executives coming under scrutiny. While this may be an effective way to root out corruption, it also poses a significant risk to businesses operating in the country. As such, there is a growing need for legal reforms that will provide greater protections for entrepreneurs and ensure they are not subjected to arbitrary political interference or prosecution.