Top Chinese politician sentenced to death for bribery

A former vice-chairman of the government of Xizang Autonomous Region, Wang Yong, has been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for accepting massive bribes, marking another high-profile conviction in China’s ongoing anti-corruption crackdown.

The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by the Chenzhou Intermediate People’s Court in Hunan Province.

Wang was found guilty of using his official position to solicit and accept bribes in exchange for political favors, business advantages, and other undue benefits. In line with the judgment, the court also ordered the confiscation of all his personal assets and permanently stripped him of his political rights.

In China, a suspended death sentence is typically commuted to life in prison after two years if the inmate commits no further crimes. The term can be further reduced based on the inmate’s behavior.

The court said that from 2007 to 2023, Wang used his various positions — including as director of the policy and regulations department of the Civil Aviation Administration of China Southwest Regional Administration, Party secretary and director of the Civil Aviation Safety Supervision Bureau of Guizhou province, and Party secretary and chairman of Guizhou Airport Group — to seek benefits for organizations and individuals in project contracts and other areas.

In return, he accepted bribes worth more than 271 million yuan ($37.8 million).

The court said Wang’s offenses were extremely serious, with an “extreme” amount of bribes, and causing significant damage to public assets and the interests of the country and the people.

Wang confessed to his crimes, pleaded guilty, showed remorse and actively returned his illegal gains, which have been fully recovered, the court said. These actions led to a lenient punishment.

Wang’s case was heard publicly on May 15, with more than 40 people attending the trial. Prosecutors presented evidence, and Wang admitted guilt and made a final statement in court.