Former Justice Minister Tang Yijun Faces Bribery Charges

Tang Yijun, once the minister of justice and a prominent member of the Communist Party, is under prosecution for suspected bribery. The allegations, detailed by China’s top procuratorate, claim that Tang misused his authority in several key government roles — including positions as governor in Liaoning province and Party chief in Ningbo, Zhejiang province — to facilitate favors in exchange for large bribes.

The case was officially initiated when prosecutors in Xiamen, a city in Fujian province, submitted the prosecution to the local intermediate people's court. Throughout the legal process, authorities have confirmed that Tang was interrogated, informed of his rights under litigation, and his defense lawyer's input was heard in the review of the case.

Tang’s career in public service spans decades, beginning in the late 1970s and marked by swift ascension within the political ranks. His resume includes several influential positions, notably in Zhejiang province, and later as acting governor of Liaoning. More recently, he was elected chairman of the Jiangxi Provincial Committee of the CPPCC after his tenure as minister of justice.

An investigation into his activities revealed even more concerning evidence. An anti-corruption documentary aired earlier in the year highlighted that Tang allegedly used companies managed by his wife to mask his corrupt practices, presenting these entities as legitimate market operations. Concurrently, internal disciplinary processes led to his expulsion from the Communist Party and his removal from public office, actions that followed earlier investigations initiated in April.