Ex-Justice Minister SENTENCED — Xi’s Ruthless Purge Deepens

China’s Xi Jinping sentences his own former aide—a top Justice Minister—to life in prison for massive corruption, exposing cracks in the communist regime’s iron grip on power.

Story Snapshot

Xiamen court hands life sentence to ex-Justice Minister Tang Yijun for $19.7 million in bribes over 16 years, abusing power in key provinces and ministry roles.
Tang, once a close Xi aide in Zhejiang, aided family businesses and caused huge state losses, now stripped of rights and property.
Part of Xi’s sweeping anti-corruption purge since 2012, nabbing over 200,000 officials amid military and civilian crackdowns.
Recent probes hit top generals and sitting ministers, signaling Xi’s ruthless consolidation even against allies.

Tang Yijun’s Fall from Grace

The Xiamen Intermediate People’s Court sentenced Tang Yijun, former Minister of Justice from 2020 to 2023, to life imprisonment on February 2, 2026. Tang accepted bribes exceeding 137 million yuan, or about $19.7 million, between 2006 and 2022. He exploited positions in Zhejiang and Liaoning provinces and the Justice Ministry to favor companies and individuals with listings, land deals, loans, and legal cases. These actions inflicted severe damage on state interests. The court deprived him of political rights for life and confiscated all personal property.

Timeline of Corruption and Probe

Tang’s graft spanned 2006 to 2022 during his climbs from Zhejiang posts—including Ningbo CCP secretary—to Liaoning governor and Justice Minister. Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and National Supervisory Commission launched a probe in April 2024 for serious violations. Authorities expelled him from the Communist Party that year. An open trial on September 11, 2025, saw Tang admit guilt and express remorse. State media announced the life sentence on February 2, 2026, recovering illegal gains for the treasury.

Xi’s Broader Anti-Corruption Campaign

Xi Jinping’s drive, intensified since 2012, has punished over 200,000 officials using CCDI investigations cloaked as “discipline violations.” Tang’s case echoes the 2022 conviction of predecessor Fu Zhenghua, who got a death sentence later commuted to life for bribery. Tang served as Xi’s aide during Xi’s 2002-2007 Zhejiang tenure, yet faced purge. Recent actions target Vice Chair Zhang Youxia, Joint Staff chief Liu Zhenli, and sitting Emergency Management Minister Wang Xiangxi in late January 2026. PLA Daily ties military probes to boosting combat readiness by removing obstacles.

State media portrays these moves as purifying party institutions. Critics argue they eliminate rivals and consolidate Xi’s power. Justice and legal sectors now face heightened scrutiny. Short-term, purges deter graft; long-term, they risk elite alienation while recovering funds and reinforcing anti-corruption narratives among the public.

Implications for Power Dynamics

Tang’s proximity to Xi highlights intra-party tensions, with purges extending to former allies for zero-tolerance optics. Economic recovery includes over $19.7 million returned to state coffers. Socially, it bolsters Xi’s legitimacy against corruption perceptions. Politically, the campaign—ensnaring even rare sitting ministers—underscores centralized control. As President Trump strengthens America’s borders and economy in 2026, China’s internal rot serves as a stark warning against unchecked communist overreach and the fragility of authoritarian loyalty.