The Chinese government, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, is undergoing a significant shakeup with the investigation of Agriculture Minister Tang Renjian for suspected legal and disciplinary violations.
What Happened: The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, China’s anti-corruption watchdog, announced on Saturday that Tang Renjian, the 61-year-old Agriculture Minister, is under investigation for alleged violations of law and discipline, reported Bloomberg.
This probe is part of President Xi’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has seen a record number of senior officials investigated this year.
This development marks the third ousting of a minister in the new cabinet, raising concerns about the stability of the Chinese leadership.
Tang’s potential removal would make him the third minister to be ousted from the State Council, following the dismissals of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang and ex-Defense Minister Li Shangfu. This pace of removals is unprecedented since Xi’s rise to power in 2012.
Despite the investigation, Tang’s recent public appearances and his focus on revitalizing the countryside, a key priority of Xi, have come as a surprise. Tang has a long history in the agriculture sector, having served in various roles for about two decades before moving to provincial governments.
This recent probe is part of a broader anti-corruption drive in China, which has seen the investigation of 25 senior officials this year, potentially surpassing last year’s record of 45 under Xi.
Why It Matters: President Xi’s anti-corruption campaign has been a consistent feature of his leadership, with the recent probe into Tang Renjian marking a significant escalation. This move comes at a time when China is facing various challenges, including slowing retail sales growth and ongoing economic challenges despite a projected 5.3% surge in the economy.
Earlier this year, Xi initiated a significant military purge due to widespread corruption, which has raised concerns about the stability of the Chinese leadership amid these internal challenges.
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