China sentences former Agriculture Minister Tang Renjian to death with reprieve for $38M bribery

China has sentenced former Agriculture Minister Tang Renjian to death with a two-year reprieve for accepting bribes totaling over 268 million yuan (approximately $38 million). The Changchun Intermediate People"s Court issued the ruling on September 28, 2025, citing severe harm to national interests.

The court decided to suspend the execution of the death sentence due to Tang"s confession and expressions of remorse. If Tang does not commit further offenses during the reprieve period, his sentence could potentially be commuted to life imprisonment. Tang was expelled from the Communist Party in November 2024 as part of the ongoing anti-corruption campaign led by President Xi Jinping, which has targeted over 1 million officials since its inception in 2012.

This case adds to the growing list of high-profile officials implicated in corruption within China’s political landscape.