A former high-ranking Chinese official, Zhong Yang, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison and fined one million yuan (approximately ₹1.18 crore) following her conviction on charges of corruption and misconduct. Known as the “beautiful governor” due to her appearance, Zhong served as the governor and deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Qiannan prefecture, Guizhou province. She was accused of accepting nearly 60 million yuan in bribes and engaging in inappropriate relationships with 58 male subordinates.
Zhong, 52, began her career with the Communist Party at the age of 22 and rose to prominence as a deputy in the National People’s Congress (NPC). Her reputation included positive contributions, such as founding a fruit and agriculture association to aid farmers and personally supporting the elderly. However, her public image took a significant hit when allegations of corruption and misconduct surfaced.
In January 2023, a documentary produced by Guizhou Radio and Television shed light on Zhong’s alleged actions, including accepting bribes and misusing her authority to grant favorable contracts to companies with personal connections. One notable example involved the approval of land development in a high-tech industrial estate for a businessman with whom Zhong had close ties.
The documentary also highlighted accusations that Zhong engaged in inappropriate relationships with 58 male subordinates. Some reportedly entered into relationships with her in exchange for career benefits, while others did so out of fear of her authority. Zhong allegedly used work-related pretexts, such as overtime and business trips, to spend time with these individuals.
In April 2023, Zhong was arrested on charges of corruption. By September, she had been removed from office, expelled from the CPC, and lost her position in the National People’s Congress.
Reflecting on her actions in the documentary, Zhong expressed regret. “I can’t face my former colleagues, family members, or the leaders who have cared for and nurtured me. I am truly ashamed and embarrassed,” she said.
She also admitted to mistakenly believing she needed to align herself with certain businessmen to navigate political challenges. Recalling advice from her parents, she reflected on how they would prepare a simple dish of vegetables and boiled tofu during Chinese New Year, reminding her to live a “clean and pure” life. “I accepted it every year and ate the food, but I didn’t take their advice to heart,” she lamented.
