China’s former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tang Renjian, has been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for accepting bribes worth over 268 million yuan ($37.6 million). The Changchun Intermediate People’s Court handed down the sentence on Sunday, noting that Tang had confessed to his crimes, which led to the suspended death sentence.
Tang, who served as governor of Gansu province from 2017 to 2020 before becoming agriculture minister, was found guilty of taking bribes in various positions he held from 2007 to 2024. The court confiscated his personal assets worth 268 million yuan.
This verdict is part of President Xi Jinping’s ongoing campaign against corruption, which he considers the biggest threat to the Communist Party. Tang’s case follows similar investigations into defense minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor Wei Fenghe.
In recent years, China has intensified its anti-corruption efforts, with notable cases including:
– Former PetroChina Vice Chairman Liao Yongyuan: sentenced to 15 years in prison for accepting bribes worth nearly $2 million and abusing his power.
– Two Chinese Chemical Company Executives: convicted and sentenced for their involvement in fentanyl precursor importation and money laundering schemes.
The Chinese government continues to crack down on corruption, emphasizing transparency and accountability in governance