China

Liu Xingtai, a former senior official from Hainan province was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Tuesday for accepting bribes totaling more than 316 million yuan ($43.4 million), a court announced on Tuesday.

Liu, former deputy secretary of the Leading Party Members Group of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Hainan province, was convicted of taking bribes between 2003 and 2024, according to the Guilin Intermediate People's Court in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

The court said Liu used his various official positions to seek benefits for certain organizations and individuals in matters including business operations, project contracts and fund allocations. In return, he accepted money and valuables either directly or through others.

While the total amount of bribes was deemed "particularly huge" and caused "especially heavy losses" to the country and people's interests, the court noted that some bribery attempts were unsuccessful.

Liu was given a lenient sentence because he confessed, provided details of most crimes' unknown to investigators, showed repentance, surrendered his illicit gains, and reported other significant criminal activities that were verified - constituting a major meritorious service.

The trial was held on May 29, with more than 40 people, including lawmakers, political advisors, journalists and members of the public, in attendance. Liu pleaded guilty and expressed remorse during the proceedings.