Liu Zhiqiang

Liu Zhiqiang (born July 1963) is a former Chinese politician who served as Vice Minister of Justice from January 2016 to June 2023. As of April 2024 he was under investigation by China's top anti-graft watchdog.

Early life and education
Liu was born in Juancheng County, Shandong, in July 1963. In 1980, he enrolled at the College of International Relations (now Chinese People's University of Police Officers), where he majored in English.

Career
After graduating in 1984, Liu was assigned to the Foreign Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security. He joined the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in December 1986. He served at the bureau for 20 years, ultimately being appointed director in February 2004. He became director of the International Cooperation Bureau in October 2005, and served until June 2012.

In June 2012, Liu was transferred to northwest China's Qinghai province. He was appointed vice governor of Qinghai, concurrently serving as secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission and head of Qinghai Provincial Public Security Department.

He took office as vice minister of justice in January 2016, and held that office until June 2023.

Downfall
On 30 April 2024, Liu was put under investigation for alleged "serious violations of discipline and laws" by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the party's internal disciplinary body, and the National Supervisory Commission, the highest anti-corruption agency of China. During Liu's tenure as vice minister, all three of his superiors were sacked for graft, namely Wu Aiying, Fu Zhenghua, and Tang Yijun.