Former Chinese Minister Sentenced to Suspended Death for Massive Bribery Case

Photo by Nayi Khabar 24/7 – Chinese former minister sentenced to death for bribery

 

Former Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Tang Renjian has been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve after being found guilty of accepting massive bribes, according to official reports.

The verdict was delivered by the Changchun Intermediate People’s Court in Jilin Province, which convicted Tang of leveraging his various positions of power — including ministerial, provincial, and senior party roles — to grant business favors, approve projects, and arrange job promotions in exchange for bribes.

Between 2007 and 2024, Tang and intermediaries accepted illicit payments and property worth over 268 million yuan (approximately US$37.6 million).

Leniency in Sentencing

The court noted that Tang had confessed, cooperated with investigators by disclosing additional information, returned illegal gains, and expressed remorse for his actions. As a result, he received a suspended death sentence, which may be commuted to life imprisonment if he demonstrates good behavior during the two-year reprieve period.

Tang was also stripped of all political rights for life, and his personal property was confiscated. The illicit gains recovered from him will be transferred to the state treasury.

Anti-Corruption Drive

The ruling underscores China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted thousands of officials across all levels of government. The campaign, often described as the most far-reaching in the Communist Party’s history, continues to hold even senior leaders accountable for financial misconduct.