Shenzhen, Sketsa.id – On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the Changchun Intermediate People’s Court in Jilin Province, China, sentenced former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Tang Renjian to death for corruption. Tang was convicted of accepting bribes worth over 268 million yuan (approximately $42 million or Rp626.3 billion) in cash and property during his tenure as governor and minister from 2007 to 2024. The court granted a two-year reprieve on the death sentence due to Tang’s admission of guilt, reflecting China’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption among senior officials.

Tang, who served as Governor of Gansu from 2017 to 2020 before becoming Agriculture Minister, was removed from his post in 2024. Following a swift investigation by China’s anti-corruption agency, the Communist Party expelled him in November 2024. This rapid prosecution aligns with similar cases involving former Defense Minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor, Wei Fenghe. The case is part of President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign, launched in 2020 to ensure loyalty and integrity among officials. In January 2025, Xi called corruption the greatest threat to the Communist Party, stressing the need for decisive action.

This high-profile conviction underscores the challenges of eradicating corruption within China’s government. The death sentence with a reprieve signals a balance between strict punishment and leniency for cooperation. (*)