Key facts
- Zhang Jianhua, former deputy director of SASTIND, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
- He was found guilty of bribery and influence peddling.
- Zhang illegally obtained over 55 million yuan ($8.15 million) between 2008 and 2025.
- He used his positions to provide assistance in administrative approvals and equity investments.
- Zhang admitted guilt and expressed remorse in court.
A Chinese court has sentenced Zhang Jianhua, the former deputy director of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND), to 10 years in prison for bribery and influence peddling. The sentencing is part of a broader anti-graft campaign within China's defense sector and military.
During his tenure at SASTIND and even after retirement, from 2008 to 2025, Zhang illegally accepted over 55 million yuan ($8.15 million). The court stated that Zhang leveraged his positions, including his role as director of the military project review center, to assist individuals with administrative approvals and equity investments.
Zhang was indicted earlier this year and reportedly admitted guilt and expressed remorse in court. He previously served under Ma Xingrui, who headed SASTIND in 2013 before being purged from the elite Politburo in July. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently emphasized the need to deepen the fight against corruption in the military.