Former Chinese Agriculture Minister Sentenced to Death for Bribery

A Chinese court has sentenced Tang Renjian, the country’s former Minister of Agriculture, to death for accepting bribes, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua. The verdict was delivered on Sunday by a court in Jilin Province.

Details of the Case

The court found that between 2007 and 2024, Tang accepted a total of 268 million yuan (approximately 37.6 million USD) in cash and assets while holding various official positions.

The Changchun Intermediate People’s Court in Jilin announced that the execution of Tang’s death sentence has been suspended for two years due to his admission of guilt. This means that while the sentence is pronounced, it will not be carried out immediately, giving a two-year period of reprieve.

Timeline of Investigation and Political Actions

• In November last year, Tang was expelled from the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC).
• Six months prior, he had come under investigation by China’s anti-corruption watchdog and was removed from his ministerial post.
• The investigation into Tang was carried out swiftly, following similar probes into former Defence Ministers Li Shangfu and his predecessor Wei Fenghe.

China’s President Xi Jinping launched a widespread anti-corruption campaign in 2020, targeting officials within security agencies. He instructed police, prosecutors, and judges to act with absolute integrity, trustworthiness, and dedication to the public.

Career Background

• Tang served as the Governor of Gansu Province in western China from 2017 to 2020.
• Following that, he was appointed as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

In January 2025, Xi Jinping reiterated that corruption remains the biggest threat to the Communist Party of China, warning that it continues to grow.

This case underscores China’s ongoing anti-corruption drive, which has targeted high-ranking officials across various sectors, particularly within the military and government ministries.

Source: Reuters