Xu Zongheng
Xu Zongheng | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | July 1955 (age 71) |
| Occupation | Former mayor |
Criminal status | Imprisonment |
Criminal charge | Corruption |
Penalty | Death penalty |
Xu Zongheng (simplified Chinese: 许宗衡; traditional Chinese: 許宗衡; pinyin: Xǔ Zōnghéng; born July 1955) is a Chinese former politician who served as the mayor of Shenzhen, Guangdong, China from June 2005 to June 2009.
During his tenure as mayor, Xu was involved in local government administration and urban development initiatives in Shenzhen. His term included cooperation efforts between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, including the establishment of the Shenzhen–Hong Kong Innovation Circle, an initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two cities in areas related to innovation and metropolitan development.
Early life
Xu was born in Xiangtan, Hunan province, China, in July 1955. He later entered political service and became involved in municipal administration in Guangdong province.
Political career
Xu served as mayor of Shenzhen from June 2005 until June 2009. As mayor, he was responsible for overseeing municipal administration of one of China's major economic cities.
During his period in office, Shenzhen and Hong Kong reached an agreement on the Shenzhen–Hong Kong Innovation Circle, a cooperation framework intended to promote development between the two cities.[1]
Investigation and dismissal
In June 2009, Xu was placed under investigation for what Chinese authorities described as "severe violations". Following the investigation, he was removed from his position as mayor of Shenzhen.[2]
Media reports linked Xu's investigation to a wider corruption case involving businessman Huang Guangyu, founder of Gome Electrical Appliances.[3]
Xu was succeeded as mayor of Shenzhen by Wang Rong.
Conviction
In May 2011, Xu was convicted by the Zhengzhou People's Intermediate Court in Henan province of accepting bribes amounting to 33.18 million yuan. The court sentenced him to death with a two-year reprieve.
According to the court ruling, Xu had used his positions in government to accept bribes or gifts from several companies and individuals in connection with matters including government land planning, construction project bidding, promotions, and personal interests.[4]
References
- ↑ "Officials fearful over probe into Shenzhen mayor". The Standard. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011.
- ↑ "Shenzhen mayor dismissed". UPI. 12 June 2009.
- ↑ Tam, Fiona (10 May 2011). "Shenzhen mayor spared execution". South China Morning Post.
- ↑ Tam, Fiona (10 May 2011). "Shenzhen mayor spared execution". South China Morning Post.