China's ex-agriculture minister faces death for corruption
China’s former agriculture minister, Tang Renjian, has been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve after being found guilty of accepting more than 268 million yuan ($38 million) in bribes.
The Intermediate People’s Court of Changchun in Jilin Province said Tang abused his positions between 2007 and 2024 to influence business contracts, project approvals and personnel appointments in exchange for illicit payments. The court ruled that his crimes inflicted “particularly severe losses” on the state and the people, the Economic Times reports.
While the death penalty was imposed, the court granted a two-year reprieve, citing Tang’s confession, cooperation with investigators, and repayment of illegal gains. His political rights were revoked for life, and all personal assets were confiscated.
Tang, 61, previously served as governor of Gansu province and vice-chairman of Guangxi before leading the agriculture ministry. He was expelled from the Communist Party in November 2024, months after the party’s anti-graft watchdog opened its probe.
His case highlights the scope of President Xi Jinping’s comprehensive anti-corruption campaign, which has since 2012 led to the punishment of more than a million officials, including senior figures in the military and government.
Analysts note the campaign has reinforced Xi’s control over the ruling Communist Party, while Beijing insists it strengthens governance and public trust.
Tang’s sentencing follows high-profile corruption cases against two former defence ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, reflecting the campaign’s reach across both civilian and military institutions.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
