China’s state-controlled media have lauded the downfall of Zhou Yongkang as a victory for “socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics” and for the vociferous anti-corruption campaign that has been the centrepiece of President Xi Jinping’s administration since he took power two years ago.

Mr Zhou is the most senior official to face formal corruption charges since the founding of the people’s republic in 1949. The fearsome former head of China’s internal security apparatus (including the courts, judiciary, police and secret police) is accused of leaking state secrets, taking bribes and fornication. He has been formally expelled from the party for these alleged “breaches of discipline” and will now face criminal charges in the very courts he used to control.

The anti-graft drive has led to the arrest or punishment of more than a quarter of a million Communist party members, including roughly 50 of ministerial rank or higher.