Sun Shutao

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Sun Shutao (孙述涛; born January 1965) is a Chinese former politician from Gaomi, Shandong. He spent his career in Shandong province and held several senior posts before his downfall in 2023–2024.

Early life and education
Sun was born in Gaomi, Shandong, in January 1965. He studied forestry at Shandong Agricultural University, where he began his career in 1983. He earned a master's degree in 1994 and a doctoral degree in 1997 from Nanjing Forestry University. He joined the Chinese Communist Party in 1985 and later taught at Shandong Agricultural University after his studies.

Career
- 2001: Entered politics as vice mayor of Heze, but stayed in the position for only about a month.
- 2001 onward: Deputy head of the Organization Department of the CCP Shandong Provincial Committee; also led the Shandong Provincial Cadre College starting in 2007.
- 2008–2011: Acting mayor, then mayor of Weihai; in 2011 he became the city’s CCP secretary and also chaired the Weihai Municipal People’s Congress and the Party School.
- 2018: Became vice governor of Shandong. In May 2018 he was named deputy party secretary of Ji’nan and, from June 2018, also served as mayor of Ji’nan.
- January 2023: Appointed vice chairman of the Shandong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Downfall and trial
- March 28, 2023: Sun was placed under investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission for suspected serious violations of discipline and laws.
- October 9, 2023: Expelled from the Chinese Communist Party and removed from public office.
- October 25, 2023: Arrested by state prosecutors.
- February 20, 2024: Indicted on charges of accepting bribes.
- April 11, 2024: Stood trial in Datong on bribery charges, accused of using his positions in Shandong between 2001 and 2023 to help various entities and individuals in exchange for money and gifts totaling over 129 million yuan.
- June 5, 2024: Sentenced to life imprisonment for bribery, with the deprivation of political rights for life and confiscation of his personal assets.

Summary
Sun Shutao rose through political ranks in Shandong, serving as mayor of Weihai and Ji’nan and as a vice governor before his high-profile fall. He was investigated, expelled from the party, arrested, indicted for bribery, and ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment in 2024.