Zhang Jianhua, the former deputy head of China’s State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Dazhou Intermediate People’s Court in Sichuan province on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, according to state news agency Xinhua.

Between 2008 and 2025, Zhang used his various leadership positions—including head of the administration’s finance and audit department, chief engineer, and deputy director—to help third parties obtain approvals and investments. In return, he accepted more than 43.38 million yuan (approximately US$6.3 million) in cash and valuables.

After retiring in 2021, Zhang continued to leverage his influence to secure improper gains for others in business operations and project contracting, netting an additional 11.7 million yuan in illicit earnings, state media reported.

The court found Zhang guilty of directly accepting bribes and taking bribes through the exercise of influence, both involving particularly large sums.

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