China Sentences Ex-Agriculture Minister Tang Renjian to Death Over $38m Bribery

China has sentenced former agriculture minister Tang Renjian to death after finding him guilty of taking massive bribes.

The People’s Court of Changchun in Jilin province announced on Sunday that Tang received cash and assets worth over 268 million yuan, equivalent to $38 million, between 2007 and 2024.

Judges ruled that the offences “caused particularly severe losses to the interests of the state and the people and therefore warranted the death penalty”.

The sentence was handed down with a two-year reprieve, which may later be commuted to life imprisonment depending on Tang’s conduct.

The court noted that Tang admitted to the allegations and showed remorse during the proceedings.

His punishment comes as part of Xi Jinping’s sweeping anti-graft campaign that has toppled dozens of senior figures in government and the military.

Supporters of the drive say it has strengthened accountability in public office, while critics claim it is also used as a weapon to sideline political opponents.

Tang previously held key positions, including governor of Gansu province and vice chairman of Guangxi autonomous region, before becoming agriculture minister.

His conviction follows the downfall of high-ranking defence ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, both of whom faced investigations for corruption.

Li was dismissed after just seven months in office and expelled from the Communist Party over suspected bribery and misconduct, according to state media.

His replacement, Dong Jun, has also been reported to be under investigation, raising further questions about the depth of corruption in Beijing’s ruling elite.