China’s ‘Beautiful Governor’ Jailed for Corruption and Affairs with 58 Subordinates

GUIZHOU — Zhong Yang, a former top official in China’s Qiannan prefecture, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison and fined one million yuan (S$182,830) after being convicted of corruption and engaging in sexual relations with 58 male subordinates. Known as the “beautiful governor” for her looks, Zhong, 52, was found guilty of accepting nearly 60 million yuan in bribes and abusing her position for personal gain.

Zhong, who served as governor and deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Qiannan, had been praised for initiatives like helping farmers through a fruit and agriculture association and supporting the elderly. However, a documentary aired in January by Guizhou Radio and Television revealed a darker side of her career, exposing her involvement in granting lucrative contracts to companies she favored, including one businessman who converted land earmarked for high-tech development into a profitable real estate project.

Beyond corruption, Zhong was also accused of exploiting her power to engage in affairs with her subordinates, with some fearing the consequences of refusing her advances. The revelations led to her arrest in April 2023, and she has since been expelled from the CPC and removed from office.

In a public statement, Zhong expressed regret, stating, “I am truly ashamed and embarrassed.” Reflecting on her upbringing, she recalled her parents’ advice to live a life of integrity, advice she now admits to having ignored. Zhong’s conviction has drawn significant attention in China, illustrating the government’s ongoing crackdown on corruption among high-ranking officials.