Zhong Yang, once hailed as ‘the beautiful governor’ for her striking appearance, has fallen from grace and landed behind bars. The former governor and deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Qiannan prefecture, Guizhou province, was sentenced to 13 years in prison and fined one million yuan ($140,000) for corruption and misconduct.
Zhong’s journey from rising star to disgraced official is a stark reminder of the corrupting influence of power. Despite a humble upbringing and early achievements, including founding a fruit and agriculture association to support farmers and personally funding aid for the elderly, a dark side emerged. A January documentary by Guizhou Radio and Television exposed a web of deceit and manipulation. Allegations surfaced that Zhong accepted bribes and used her position to secure lucrative contracts for favored companies under the guise of government investment.
One instance involved her approval of a 170,000 sq m land development in a high-tech industrial estate for a businessman with whom she had close ties. This land was later repurposed for real estate development, generating significant profits for Zhong, according to reports. A private business owner in the documentary alleged that Zhong favored companies with personal connections, hindering the growth of private businesses in the region.
The scandal took a shocking turn when Zhong was accused of engaging in sexual relationships with 58 male subordinates. Some entered into relationships with her for the advantages she offered, while others felt pressured due to her authority. She allegedly met her lovers under the guise of working overtime or on business trips.
In April 2023, the Guizhou Provincial Discipline Inspection and Supervision Committee announced that Zhong was under investigation for serious disciplinary and legal violations. She was arrested in April 2023, and footage of her arrest was featured in the documentary. By September, Xinhua News Agency reported that she had been removed from office, expelled from the CPC, and lost her position in the National People’s Congress.
In the documentary, Zhong expressed regret for her actions. She acknowledged that she had mistakenly thought she needed to cultivate a few trustworthy businessmen to navigate political issues. She also mentioned that her parents would prepare a simple dish of vegetables and boiled tofu for her during Chinese New Year. “They told me… that my work and life should be like the dish, clean and pure,” she said. “I accepted it every year and ate the food, but I didn’t take their advice to heart.” Her words, however, ring hollow in light of the gravity of her actions.
Zhong’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of integrity in public service. It highlights the pervasive nature of corruption and the need for strong accountability mechanisms in China and beyond.
