Former Chinese Agriculture Minister Sentenced to Death for Corruption
One of the most high-profile verdicts in China’s anti-corruption campaign has been handed down. Former Minister of Agriculture Tang Renjian was found guilty of systematically accepting bribes totaling more than 268 million yuan (approximately $38 million) between 2007 and 2024.
The investigation revealed that the official abused his position for personal gain, providing assistance to organizations and individuals in securing contracts, career promotions, and business activities. In return, he received substantial sums of money.
The court took into account the former minister’s confession and expression of remorse, sentencing him to death with a two-year suspension of execution. If no new crimes are committed during this period, the punishment will automatically be commuted to life imprisonment without parole.
The verdict reflects the severity of China’s policy toward corruption among high-ranking officials. Such cases are seen as a demonstration of the government’s determination to combat bribery at all levels of the state apparatus.