Sichuan: A Chinese court has sentenced Zhang Jianhua, a former senior official of the country's defense industry regulator, to 10 years in prison for bribery. This decision is part of a broader anti-graft campaign targeting China's defense sector and military.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zhang Jianhua, who served as the deputy head of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, was convicted by a court in Sichuan province. The court's findings revealed that between 2008 and 2025, Zhang accepted over 55 million yuan ($8.15 million) in bribes during and after his tenure.

Further investigations by the court showed that from 2021 to 2025, after his retirement, Zhang misused his influence from previous positions to aid others in securing improper business benefits and project contracts, accepting an additional 11.7 million yuan in bribes.

Zhang's conviction is a continuation of President Xi Jinping's extensive anti-corruption campaign, which has led to the investigation and removal of numerous top generals and senior officials. Approximately 52% of senior positions within the People's Liberation Army have faced scrutiny or purges in recent years, marking a significant restructuring under Xi's leadership.

Earlier this year, in June, China dismissed six People's Liberation Army officers, former financial regulator head Li Yunze, and Politburo member Ma Xingrui from their roles within the national legislature. In February, nine senior military officials were also removed from the National People's Congress.