China executed former official Li Jianping on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, for his involvement in a massive corruption scandal totaling over $421 million. Li, who previously served as the secretary of the ruling Communist Party’s working committee for the Hohhot Economic and Technological Development Zone in Inner Mongolia, was convicted in what is considered the largest corruption case in the nation’s history.
His death sentence, which was originally handed down in September 2022, was upheld after an appeal in August 2024. The execution was carried out by a court in Inner Mongolia after receiving approval from the Supreme People’s Court, as reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency.
At 64 years old, Li was found guilty of embezzling three billion yuan (approximately $421 million), highlighting the extensive scale of the corruption within the region. Since assuming power in 2012, President Xi Jinping has prioritized an extensive anti-corruption campaign, which has led to the punishment of over a million party officials, including former defense ministers and numerous military personnel.
This stark action against Li Jianping underscores the government’s commitment to tackling corruption at all levels. Official media reports indicate that this campaign has been integral to Xi’s administration, aiming to restore public trust and ensure accountability among officials. The execution reflects the severe consequences facing individuals involved in corrupt practices, as the Chinese government continues to crack down on corruption to maintain its legitimacy and strengthen its control.
