Chinese Official’s Downfall: Corruption, Bribes, and Affairs

A high-ranking female official from southwest China, Zhong Yang, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison and a fine of 1 million yuan (about 5 million baht) for misconduct.

Zhong Yang, 52, previously served as governor and deputy party secretary of Qiannan Province, Guizhou Province. She grew up in a middle-class family and graduated with a major in history from a famous university. She joined the Communist Party at the age of 22 before rising to the position of deputy secretary of the National People’s Congress (NPC).

Known for her excellent appearance, Zhong Yang was nicknamed “Governor Beautiful” while in office. She remained single, without a husband or children, and was recognized for setting up the Fruit and Agriculture Association, which aimed to help farmers. She also used her own money to help elderly people who were struggling.

However, Zhong Yang’s reputation was marred by allegations of corruption and abuse of power. She was accused of taking bribes and leveraging her position to ensure that favored companies received lucrative contracts under the guise of government investment.

One notable example was her approval of the development of 170,000 square meters of land in a high-tech industrial park for a businessman with whom she had close ties. The businessman later converted the land to real estate development, resulting in a huge profit.

Zhong Yang was also accused of neglecting companies with which she had no personal relationship, hindering the growth of private businesses in the region.

Furthermore, Zhong Yang was found to have used her positional power to engage in affairs with many male subordinates, often using reasons such as “overtime work” or “business travel” as a pretext.

According to reports, some men were willing to sleep with her due to the offers they were made, while others were reluctant due to fear of her power. Zhong Yang was said to have had affairs with 58 men under her control and was often seen in private nightclubs.

In April 2023, the Guizhou government launched an investigation into her actions, leading to a conviction on corruption charges. In addition to the 13-year prison sentence and a 1 million yuan fine, her position in the NPC was also revoked.

On September 1, she was expelled from the Communist Party and removed from public office, one of the harshest political punishments for officials in China.

Zhong Yang expressed remorse for her actions, stating, “I am ashamed of my actions.” She also acknowledged that her corruption stemmed from mistakes and a desire to be friendly with trusted business people to help her deal with political matters.

“When you take something that doesn’t belong to you, it will destroy you in the end.”