Former minister of justice expelled from the Party

Tang Yijun, former minister of justice, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China and dismissed from public office, according to an announcement by China's top anti-corruption authorities on Monday.

Tang's case and his illicit gains have been transferred to prosecuting authorities for further examination and prosecution, according to a joint statement from the CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision.

The statement accused Tang of resisting scrutiny from Party organizations and repeatedly violating regulations, including accepting banquet invitations and participating in arranged travel activities. He was also found to have accepted gifts, money and vouchers, and allowed others to cover expenses that he should have personally borne.

In addition, Tang failed to report personal matters to Party organizations and did not disclose relevant issues during organizational inquiries. He was found to have accepted bribes in exchange for securing benefits for others in cadre selection and appointment processes.

The statement further revealed that Tang abused his power to help relatives gain financial advantages, interfered in market economic activities and manipulated judicial proceedings.

Tang, 63, a native of Shandong province, began his career in 1977 and joined the Party in 1985. He spent over 35 years in Zhejiang province, where he held various positions, including mayor and Party chief of Ningbo and deputy Party chief of Zhejiang.

From 2020 to January last year, Tang served as Minister of Justice. In early 2023, he was elected chairman of the Jiangxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Tang came under investigation in April this year for suspected serious violations of Party discipline and the law.