Former Chinese Agriculture Minister Sentenced to Death with Reprieve for Bribery

In China, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Tang Zhenjian was sentenced on Sunday, September 28, to death with a two-year reprieve for bribery. Official sources say the decision was made by the courts in light of his guilty plea and recorded in the corresponding court document.

According to the judicial authorities, Tang received bribes, including money and property, totaling more than 268 million yuan during 2007–2024, while holding various government posts.

The Changchun Intermediate People’s Court suspended the execution of the sentence for two years, emphasizing that the former leader admitted guilt, as confirmed in the court notice.

The Communist Party of China expelled Tang in November 2024 – six months after the start of his anti-corruption investigation by the anti-corruption body and his removal from office.

Context and consequences of the case

Following the investigation, the Tang case progressed relatively quickly compared with similar cases involving high-ranking officials, underscoring the nature of the campaign to cleanse the country’s security forces from corruption risks.

Since the start of 2020, President Xi Jinping has launched sweeping purges in police, prosecutors, and the courts to ensure their loyalty, integrity, and reliability.

Tang held the post of governor of Gansu Province (2017–2020) before becoming Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

In January 2025, Xi Jinping stated that corruption remains the Communist Party’s greatest threat and requires further anti-corruption measures.

This case has become one of the most notable examples of the new pace of internal purges designed to strengthen citizens’ trust in government institutions and the country’s governance system.