A Chinese court on Tuesday sentenced former Shanxi governor Jin Xiangjun to death with a two-year reprieve after finding him guilty of accepting more than 148 million yuan ($22.05 million) in bribes.
The first-instance judgment found that Jin abused a succession of senior government positions he held in several Chinese cities and provinces between 2004 and 2025. During that period, he used his official influence to assist organisations and individuals with matters including business operations, project contracts and personnel promotions.
According to the court in Henan province, Jin received money and assets worth more than 148 million yuan in exchange for providing those benefits.
China’s anti-graft authorities began investigating Jin in April 2025 as part of the country’s continuing crackdown on corruption among senior officials.
Under Chinese law, a death sentence with a two-year reprieve generally means the execution is suspended during the two-year period. In many cases, the sentence is subsequently commuted to life imprisonment if the individual does not commit another serious offence during the reprieve.
Jin acknowledged his guilt and expressed remorse during the court proceedings, the judgment said.
In addition to the suspended death sentence, the court stripped Jin of his political rights for life and ordered the confiscation of all his personal property.
