In a landmark ruling demonstrating China’s intensified anti-corruption campaign, the First Intermediate People’s Court of Hainan Province has sentenced Li Weiwei, a former high-ranking official within China’s political advisory system, to life imprisonment for extensive bribery offenses. The court established that Li abused multiple official positions over a sixteen-year period from 2008 to 2024, amassing illicit gains exceeding 117 million yuan (approximately $16.87 million).
During her extensive career, Li held several influential positions including membership on the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Hunan Provincial Committee, head of the United Front Work Department, and secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee. Most recently, she served as deputy head of the Committee on Population, Resources and Environment under the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
The judicial investigation revealed that Li systematically exploited her authority to provide unlawful advantages to various entities in project contracting and business operations. The court characterized her actions as constituting particularly severe instances of bribery that inflicted substantial damage to national and public interests.
In addition to the life sentence, the court imposed supplementary penalties including lifelong deprivation of political rights and comprehensive confiscation of all personal assets. All recovered illicit gains will be transferred to the state treasury, with ongoing efforts to reclaim any outstanding amounts.
The sentencing acknowledged mitigating factors, including Li’s cooperation with investigators through truthful confession of previously unknown offenses, active return of illegal proceeds, and demonstrated remorse during judicial proceedings. These considerations contributed to the court’s decision to render a comparatively lighter punishment within statutory guidelines.
Li’s case progressed through China’s legal system following her investigation initiation in July 2024 while still holding office, subsequent arrest in February 2025, and formal indictment in June 2025. The trial concluded on November 6, 2025, featuring comprehensive evidence presentation, cross-examinations by defense counsel, and final statements from the defendant.