A subsidiary company of CNPC took the decision to dismiss Hu Jiyong, who held executive and managerial positions, as well as the role of Party secretary, after viral pictures emerged showing him engaged in an extramarital relationship with a female subordinate. Photo: Screenshot from video circulating on Sina Weibo

Hu Jiyong, who previously held the positions of executive director, manager, and Party secretary at one of the subsidiary companies of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), was removed from his positions on June 7, according to a statement released by CNPC (Beijing) project management company on Tuesday. This clarification comes in response to online claims suggesting that Hu still retains the position of legal representative within the company.

The company's disciplinary committee is currently conducting an investigation into the matter, and the findings of the investigation, as well as any subsequent actions, will be publicly announced in the near future, said the statement.

A subsidiary company of CNPC took the decision to dismiss Hu Jiyong, who held executive and managerial positions, as well as the role of Party secretary, after viral pictures emerged showing him engaged in an extramarital relationship with a female subordinate. The incident came to light following the circulation of street photos and videos on Chinese social media platforms on June 3. The photos and videos depicted Hu Jiyong, identified as an official from Huanqiu project management company, walking hand in hand with a woman, also an employee of the same company, on Chunxi Road in Chengdu, located in Southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The original video has since been removed from social media platforms. The photographer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the media that both Hu and the woman reached out after the incident went viral. The photographer has also made the social media account private, according to media reports.

Hashtags related to the incident have garnered over 200 million views on the Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo, generating heated discussions. Netizens expressed various opinions, with one stating, "Excellent! Street snap now has a new function to help crackdown on corruption," while another emphasized the importance of a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.

Responding to media inquiries, the 10th central inspection team stationed at CNPC affirmed their commitment to urging and supervising an investigation into the issue.

The Party discipline authority of Huanqiu company, amid the widespread discussion, confirmed that they are conducting an investigation into the matter.

Huanqiu project management company, reportedly a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNPC established in 1995, has canceled its WeChat account in light of the controversy.

Chunxi Road, located in the heart of Chengdu, is a renowned commercial street known for its vibrant shopping and entertainment scene, modern architecture, and lively atmosphere. It has become a popular spot for street photography among Chinese influencers, youngsters, and trendsetters.

Global Times