China’s Ex-Agriculture Minister, Tang Renjian Sentenced to Death For $38m Corruption, His Successor, Dong Jun, Reportedly Under Investigation

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that a court in Jilin province announced on Sunday that the China’s former agriculture minister, Tang Renjian, has been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve after being found guilty of massive corruption.

OTN News further reports as gathered from the People’s Court of Changchun report which has circulated online that, Tang received cash and property bribes worth more than 268 million yuan ($38 million) between 2007 and 2024. 

The court said his actions inflicted “particularly severe losses to the state and the people,” justifying the death penalty. 

However, his admission of guilt and expression of remorse earned him the suspended execution.

OTN News observes that Tang’s conviction is part of President Xi Jinping’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign, which has toppled several high-ranking officials in recent years. 

Subsequently, while supporters hail the crackdown as a step toward clean governance, critics say it also serves as a tool for Xi to eliminate political rivals.

Recalls that before Tang became agriculture minister, he served as governor of Gansu province and vice chairman of the Guangxi region. 

His fall from grace mirrors that of former defence ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, who were also ousted over graft allegations. 

Li was expelled from the Communist Party for suspected bribery, while his successor, Dong Jun, is reportedly under investigation as well.