Amanze Chinonye
China’s sweeping anti-graft campaign has claimed another senior official as a court on Sunday sentenced former Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Tang Renjian to death with a two-year reprieve for taking massive bribes during nearly two decades in public office.
The Intermediate People’s Court in Yanji, Jilin Province, found Tang guilty of accepting more than 268 million yuan (about US$37 million) in cash and property between 2007 and 2024.
State media, including Xinhua and Global Times, reported that Tang abused successive positions in Gansu Province, Jiangxi Province, and the national agriculture ministry to approve projects, allocate resources, and influence promotions in exchange for the illicit payments.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe court said Tang’s crimes were “particularly serious,” citing the enormous sums involved and the “extremely adverse social impact.”
In addition to the suspended death sentence, the ruling permanently stripped him of political rights, ordered the confiscation of all personal property, and mandated the recovery of all illicit gains to the state treasury.
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Under Chinese law, a death sentence with a two-year reprieve often used in major corruption cases means the execution is not carried out immediately.If the convict commits no new offenses and demonstrates good behavior during the reprieve period, the punishment is typically commuted to life imprisonment, sometimes without the possibility of parole.
Tang, 61, served as China’s agriculture minister from December 2020 until his removal in September 2024 after an investigation by the Communist Party’s top anti-corruption watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). He was first placed under scrutiny in May 2024 and expelled from the party later that year. His public trial took place in July 2025.
The court noted that Tang confessed to the charges, disclosed additional details not previously known to investigators, and cooperated in the recovery of illicit funds, factors that allowed for the suspended death penalty rather than immediate execution.
Tang’s conviction underscores President Xi Jinping’s relentless anti-graft drive, which has brought down thousands of officials across government ministries and state-owned enterprises. Legal analysts say the case serves as another warning to senior cadres that no sector including agriculture and rural development is immune from Beijing’s campaign to root out corruption.
Chinese state media reported that Tang accepted the verdict and will not appeal. If he remains compliant during the two-year reprieve, his death sentence is expected to be commuted to life in prison.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
