Zhong Yang, a prominent Chinese official once hailed for her good looks and dubbed the “beautiful governor,” has been sentenced to 13 years in prison and fined one million yuan (approximately ₹1.18 crore). The 52-year-old former governor and deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Qiannan prefecture, Guizhou province, faced charges of corruption and inappropriate relationships with her staff members.
A Rise to Power and Influence
Zhong Yang joined the Communist Party at the age of 22 and climbed the ranks over three decades, eventually securing a seat as a deputy in the National People’s Congress (NPC). During her career, she became known for her initiatives aimed at improving agricultural practices, particularly through a fruit and agriculture association she started to help farmers. Zhong was also recognized for her charitable efforts, spending her personal wealth to support the elderly in need.
Despite these seemingly positive contributions, a darker side of her career emerged, culminating in serious charges that would eventually lead to her downfall.
Accusations of Corruption and Misconduct
In January, a documentary produced by Guizhou Radio and Television shed light on Zhong’s involvement in corrupt practices. It was revealed that she had accepted nearly 60 million yuan in bribes and abused her position to favor certain businesses. One of the notable instances involved a businessman with close ties to her, who benefited from the approval of land development in a high-tech industrial estate under the guise of government investment.
The documentary also revealed that businesses without personal connections to Zhong were deliberately neglected. Her manipulation of contracts and favoritism raised concerns, and in 2023, the Guizhou Provincial Discipline Inspection and Supervision Committee launched an investigation into her serious disciplinary and legal violations.
Scandalous Affairs and Abuse of Power
Adding to the charges of corruption, Zhong was also accused of engaging in sexual relationships with 58 male subordinates. According to reports, some of her staff became her lovers to gain personal or professional advantages, while others feared her authority and felt compelled to comply. These inappropriate relationships often took place under the pretext of working overtime or going on business trips, further highlighting her misuse of power.
Zhong’s arrest in April 2023 marked the beginning of her downfall. By September, she was removed from her official positions, expelled from the CPC, and stripped of her seat in the National People’s Congress.
Regrets and Reflections
In the documentary, Zhong expressed regret over her actions. She spoke of her deep shame, particularly in how she had betrayed her colleagues, family, and the leaders who had supported her rise to power. Reflecting on her downfall, she acknowledged that her ambition had led her astray, stating that she mistakenly believed she needed to cultivate relationships with businessmen to manage political affairs.
Zhong also shared a personal memory of her parents, who would prepare a simple dish of vegetables and boiled tofu for her every Chinese New Year, reminding her that her work and life should be “clean and pure.” Though she accepted this dish every year, she admitted that she failed to take their advice to heart, a mistake she now deeply regrets.
To conclude, Zhong Yang’s case serves as a cautionary tale of how power and influence, when misused, can lead to a dramatic fall from grace. Once celebrated for her achievements, she is now remembered for her corruption, abuse of power, and the web of relationships that ultimately led to her undoing.
(With inputs from agencies)
