The Xinyang Intermediate People's Court in Henan province, China, announced on 8/9 that former Shanxi governor Kim Tuong Quan abused his positions in government from 2004 to 2025. He provided assistance to organizations and individuals in business operations, project contracts, and career advancements.

In return, Kim received over 148 million CNY (22 million USD) in cash and assets. The court stated that the former official's actions involved a substantial amount of money and caused particularly significant losses.

A suspended death sentence means the execution is postponed for two years. If no further offenses occur during this period, the sentence is typically commuted to life imprisonment. The former Shanxi governor also faces lifelong deprivation of political rights and confiscation of all personal assets.

Former Shanxi governor Kim Tuong Quan at the court on 8/9. *Photo: Xinyang Intermediate People's Court*

The court reported holding a public hearing in June, where the former Shanxi governor "expressed remorse and repentance". This confession, coupled with Kim's voluntary disclosure of many details, led the court to decide against immediate execution of the death penalty.

According to the court, a portion of the illegally acquired money and assets by Kim has been recovered.

Kim, 62, is the latest addition to a list of high-ranking officials removed from their posts as part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's extensive anti-corruption campaign.

China's state news agency Xinhua reported on 28/8 that Truong Hu Hiep, a former Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Luu Chan Lap, Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission, had been dismissed. Both are under investigation for alleged "serious violations of discipline and law", a phrase commonly used to denote corruption.

Truong Hu Hiep in Beijing, China, in 3/2025. *Photo: Reuters*

The Central Military Commission of China has two Vice Chairmen. General Truong Hu Hiep was the more powerful of the two, holding the second position within the body, directly after Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Pham Giang (According to Xinhua, AFP, Reuters)