China’s former Minister of Agriculture, Tang Renjian, has been sentenced to death on corruption charges, with his execution suspended for two years, according to a statement from the People’s Court of Changchun in Jilin province.
The court determined that Tang accepted cash and property bribes worth over 268 million yuan (approximately €32.4 million) between 2007 and 2024. The ruling declared that Tang’s actions “caused particularly severe losses to the interests of the state and the people,” justifying the death penalty. The court also noted that Tang confessed to his offenses and expressed remorse for his conduct.
Tang’s sentencing is the latest development in President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has led to the downfall of several senior officials. While proponents argue the campaign is essential for ensuring clean governance, critics contend it gives President Xi a means to eliminate political adversaries.
Before his conviction, Tang Renjian served as governor of Gansu province in the northwest and as vice chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the south.
Tang’s case follows recent corruption investigations into top defense officials, including former Defense Ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe. Li Shangfu was dismissed after only seven months in office and was later expelled from the Chinese Communist Party for suspected bribery and other offenses, as reported by state media. His successor, Dong Jun, is reportedly under investigation for similar charges.
