Member of the blood Debt Gang Sun Lijun is Set to Spend His Life in Prison

Dark clouds loom over Tiananmen Square in Beijing. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

[People News] Since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) initiated the persecution of Falun Gong on July 20, 1999, many practitioners have lost their lives due to efforts to force them to renounce their beliefs in 'Truth, Compassion, Forbearance.' This has resulted in the establishment of a 'Blood Debt Gang' within the CCP, led by Jiang Zemin and Zeng Qinghong. Over the past 26 years, numerous key figures from this 'Blood Debt Gang' have faced various forms of retribution, with some even destroying their own futures. Beginning October 2, 2025, we will publish a series of notable cases involving the retribution or self-destruction of key members of the CCP's 'Blood Debt Gang' as a cautionary tale.

Sun Lijun is also among the key members of the 'Blood Debt Gang' led by Jiang and Zeng.

1. Sun Lijun sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve

On September 23, 2022, former Vice Minister of Public Security Sun Lijun was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve by the Intermediate People's Court of Changchun City, Jilin Province, and all of his personal assets were confiscated. Following the commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment, he will serve life without the possibility of reduction in sentence or parole.

Sun Lijun faced charges of three crimes:

First case: bribery. Between 2001 and April 2020, Sun Lijun leveraged his roles as Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal Health Bureau, Director of the Comprehensive Business Department of the Shanghai Municipal Government Foreign Affairs Office, Deputy Director of the General Office of the Ministry of Public Security, Director of the Domestic Security Bureau, and a member of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Public Security. He exploited the advantages afforded by his power and status to assist relevant units or individuals in matters such as business operations, job adjustments, and case handling, receiving bribes totalling over 646 million yuan, either directly or through intermediaries.

Second case: manipulating the securities market. In the first half of 2018, at the request of others, Sun Lijun directed relevant personnel to manipulate stock trading prices and volumes through concentrated capital strategies and continuous buying and selling, thereby helping others avoid losses exceeding 145 million yuan.

Third case: illegal possession of firearms. Sun Lijun also violated firearm management regulations by unlawfully possessing two firearms.

Sun Lijun has been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for over three years, which has since been commuted to life imprisonment. However, as he is ineligible for sentence reduction or parole, he will have to serve his full term.

2. The little helper of the 'Blood Debt Gang'

While the official reason for Sun Lijun's investigation is corruption, the underlying issue is that he established a 'Sun Lijun political gang.'

The 'Sun Lijun Political Gang' comprises several notable figures: former Vice Minister of Public Security and Director of the 610 Office of the Ministry of Public Security, Sun Lijun; former Vice Minister of Public Security, Director of the Central 610 Office, and Minister of Justice, Fu Zhenghua; former Vice Minister of Public Security and Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee of the Ministry of State Security, Liu Yanping; former Vice Mayor of Shanghai and Director of the Public Security Bureau, Gong Daoan; former Vice Mayor of Chongqing and Director of the Public Security Bureau, Deng Huailin; former Standing Committee Member of the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee, Wang Like; and former Vice Governor of Shanxi Province and Director of the Public Security Department, Liu Xinyun.

For Xi Jinping, the leader of the Chinese Communist Party, this 'Sun Lijun Political Gang' represents a group of 'ambitious' and 'conspiratorial' individuals who are 'attempting to seize power from the Party and the state.'

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection's report indicates that Sun Lijun "has betrayed the 'two safeguards', completely lacks the 'four consciousnesses', harbours an excessively inflated political ambition, and exhibits extremely poor political integrity... To achieve his personal political objectives, he employs any means necessary, manipulates power, engages in factionalism within the party, forms cliques, cultivates personal influence, creates interest groups, and collaborates to control key departments, thereby seriously undermining the unity of the party and posing a significant threat to political security." 

Betraying the 'two safeguards' refers to failing to protect the 'core of Xi'; lacking the 'four consciousnesses' indicates a fundamental disregard for the 'core of Xi'; engaging in 'factionalism' implies the organization of an 'anti-Xi group'; and 'seriously threatening political security' signifies endangering Xi's authority and the safety of his family. 

Moreover, every member of this 'political faction' is a prominent figure in the 'blood debt gang' that persecutes Falun Gong, led by Jiang and Zeng; each one is a severely corrupt individual who has been promoted while simultaneously engaging in corruption.

Among these individuals, Sun Lijun stands out for having received the largest amount of bribes, totalling 646 million yuan; followed by Fu Zhenghua with 117 million yuan; Liu Yanping with 234 million yuan; Wang Like with 440 million yuan; Gong Daoan with 73.43 million yuan; Deng Huilin with 42.67 million yuan; and Liu Xinyun with 13.33 million yuan. The duration of bribery for these individuals is notable: Sun Lijun for 19 years, Fu Zhenghua for 16 years, Liu Yanping for 21 years, Wang Like for 27 years, Gong Daoan for 21 years, Deng Huilin for 21 years, and Liu Xinyun for 23 years.

In this 'political gang', Sun Lijun is the youngest member but wields significant influence. During their ascent to power, Fu Zhenghua and others received substantial assistance from Sun Lijun.

For instance, according to reports from CCTV, in 2008, while serving in the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, Fu Zhenghua met Sun Lijun, who was then the deputy director of the Office of the Ministry of Public Security. Between 2010 and 2017, with Sun Lijun's active support, Fu Zhenghua was promoted to several key positions, including director of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, a member of the Beijing Municipal Committee, deputy secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Public Security, and deputy minister.

What did Sun Lijun receive in return for his assistance to Fu Zhenghua? In Fu Zhenghua's own words, it was 'unquestioning obedience' to Sun Lijun.

The 'Sun Lijun political gang' is essentially a small faction within the larger 'blood debt gang'.

What accounts for Sun Lijun's considerable power?

Sun Lijun's direct backer is Meng Jianzhu, who previously served as the State Councillor and Minister of Public Security, and later became a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China and the Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission.

Meng Jianzhu's backer is none other than the leader of the 'Blood Debt Gang'—former Chinese dictator Jiang Zemin, along with former Politburo Standing Committee member and Vice President Zeng Qinghong.

Thanks to the backing of Jiang, Zeng, and Meng, Sun Lijun was able to rise to the position of head of a small faction within the 'Blood Debt Gang'.

3. The successor of the 'Blood Debt Gang'

Why did Jiang and Zeng covertly support Sun Lijun in establishing a 'Sun Lijun political faction'?

They have long been concerned that their egregious crimes against Falun Gong would eventually be brought to justice. To mitigate potential risks, they have been secretly arranging for trusted successors from the 'Blood Debt Gang'.

Initially, they favoured Bo Xilai as their successor. However, just before the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Bo Xilai, who was a member of the Politburo and the Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee, was abruptly ousted and investigated. Subsequently, they positioned Sun Zhengcai as the successor. Yet, before the 19th National Congress, Sun Zhengcai, also a member of the Politburo and Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee, faced a similar fate and was investigated.

Unwilling to concede defeat, Jiang and Zeng continued their search for a successor among the younger generation, ultimately identifying Sun Lijun.

Sun Lijun was elevated by Meng Jianzhu, a trusted ally of Jiang and Zeng. He comes from Jiang and Zeng's stronghold—Shanghai, and in his early career, he served as the 'English secretary' for Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng, who was another confidant of Jiang and Zeng. He has international experience from studying abroad; notably, he once accompanied Meng Jianzhu's wife to the United States for medical treatment, and his attentive care saved her life, earning him Meng's gratitude.

After Meng Jianzhu was appointed as the State Councillor and Minister of Public Security, he requested that then Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng recommend a secretary. Han Zheng suggested Sun Lijun to Meng Jianzhu. Consequently, Meng Jianzhu transferred Sun Lijun from Shanghai to Beijing, appointing him as the Deputy Director of the Office of the Ministry of Public Security. From that point on, Sun Lijun became Meng Jianzhu's most trusted confidant. Even after Meng Jianzhu took on the role of Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, Sun Lijun continued to be his most trusted aide.

Given Meng Jianzhu's high level of trust in Sun Lijun, it is natural that Jiang Zemin and Zeng Qinghong also placed their trust in him.

In 2018, at the age of 49, Sun Lijun was promoted to the position of Deputy Minister of Public Security, making him the youngest individual to hold that title in the Ministry at the time.

Thanks to the recognition from Jiang and Zeng, Sun Lijun devised a fifteen-year promotion plan for himself, aiming to advance one level every five years. According to this plan, by 2023, at the age of 54, he would achieve the rank of a ministerial-level senior official; by 2028, at 59, he would reach the level of a vice-state senior official; and by 2033, at 64, he would attain the status of a state-level senior official, equivalent to a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, thus becoming one of the leaders of the Party and the state.

An important reason why Jiang and Zeng favoured Sun Lijun is highlighted in the report from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, which mentions his "complete lack of moral bottom line."

What does it mean to have a "complete lack of moral bottom line"? It refers to the willingness to engage in any immoral or outrageous acts. This trait is highly valued by the so-called "blood debt gang" led by Jiang and Zeng.

4. Involvement in the Organ Harvesting of Falun Gong Practitioners

Before the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2017, Sun Lijun and Liu Yanping were tasked by Meng Jianzhu, who was then a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, to travel to the United States to persuade billionaire Guo Wengui, who was in exile there, to return to China for investigation.

Sun Lijun was a trusted aide of Meng Jianzhu, holding the position of a member of the Ministry of Public Security's Party Committee and Director of the Domestic Security Bureau. Liu Yanping served as Meng Jianzhu's assistant when he was the Minister of Public Security and was later promoted to Deputy Minister of Public Security and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of the Ministry of State Security, thanks to Meng's support.

At that time, Guo Wengui was a 'red notice criminal' for whom the Chinese Communist Party had issued an arrest warrant through Interpol.

Liu Yanping visited Guo Wengui's residence in New York to persuade him to return to China, while Sun Lijun called Guo from Washington, eager to arrange a meeting.

In a recording of the negotiations between Liu Yanjun and Guo Wengui, Guo expressed his strong dislike for Sun Lijun, stating, 'I know that Sun Lijun's issues are not insignificant,' and 'sooner or later, the people will hold Sun Lijun accountable for his crimes.' Guo also mentioned that Sun Lijun has consistently caused him trouble, which is why he is reluctant to meet with him.

However, Sun Lijun was keen to meet Guo Wengui, expressing, "I won't give up until I see you." In their recorded phone conversations, Sun frequently referred to Guo as "Brother Wengui," "us brothers," "old brother," and "Brother Wengui," suggesting a close past relationship. Nevertheless, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) did not permit him to meet Guo. While in communication with the FBI, Sun persistently urged Guo to reach out to the FBI in hopes of arranging a meeting. Guo inquired about the reliability of the people Sun brought along, saying, "Because we will discuss some matters related to the 91 book, including issues concerning our boss Meng, will it be safe after we talk?" Sun responded, "When it comes to core issues, we can only discuss them one-on-one."

The recorded conversations between Guo Wengui and Sun Lijun reveal that Sun Lijun and Meng Jianzhu likely hold significant leverage over Guo Wengui.

Ultimately, Guo Wengui did not meet with Sun Lijun and did not return to China. Guo later disclosed that:

Meng Jianzhu had a "life-and-death friendship" with Jiang Zemin's son, Jiang Mianheng. This "friendship" began when Meng Jianzhu assisted Jiang Mianheng with a kidney transplant. From 2004 to 2008, Jiang Mianheng underwent five kidney transplant surgeries, which resulted in the deaths of five Falun Gong practitioners. Each kidney transplant necessitated the killing of a Falun Gong practitioner, and this matter was classified as a "state secret."

Guo further revealed that Meng Jianzhu not only facilitated multiple kidney transplants for Jiang Mianheng, but Meng Jianzhu's mother also underwent several kidney transplants, during which a mistake was made in killing the wrong person, and Meng Jianzhu's wife also had two kidney transplants. The kidney sources were matched by Sun Lijun from living individuals in prison, after which these individuals were killed for their organs. To conceal the truth, some doctors involved in the organ transplants were silenced, and some informants were also eliminated.

Before Liu Yanping negotiated with Guo Wengui, he had already made two significant concessions to Guo domestically: first, the Ministry of State Security dispatched special personnel to escort Guo's wife, Yue Qingzhi, and daughter, Guo Mei, to the United States for a reunion with Guo; second, Guo's fourth and sixth brothers, who had been detained, were released. During the negotiations, Liu Yanping made several promises to Guo in person. Most importantly, Liu Yanping disclosed many top-secret details from the senior leadership of the Chinese Communist Party to Guo.

The recordings from Sun Lijun, Liu Yanping, and their negotiations with Guo Wengui in the United States suggest that the involvement of Meng Jianzhu and Sun Lijun in the live organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners is likely true.

Otherwise, Liu Yanping would not have been able to send the wife and daughter of a 'red notice fugitive' to the United States for a reunion, and Sun Lijun would not have referred to Guo as 'Brother Wengui,' 'our two brothers,' and 'old brother,' stating, 'I won't give up until I see you.'

5. A typical case of persecution leading to death

The Chinese Communist Party's persecution of Falun Gong primarily relies on the Domestic Security Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security and the 610 Office of the Ministry of Public Security.

During Sun Lijun's tenure as the director of the Domestic Security Bureau and the head of the 610 Office, as well as his role as the deputy minister overseeing the Domestic Security Bureau, he was the mastermind behind the nationwide persecution of Falun Gong within the public security system.

The Central 610 Office is the highest specialised leadership agency for the CCP's persecution of Falun Gong and serves as a superpower agency that manipulates public security, prosecution, law, and justice to carry out this persecution. While serving as deputy director of the Central 610 Office, Sun Lijun was one of the key figures orchestrating the persecution of Falun Gong across the 610 system.

According to incomplete statistics from Minghui.org, at least 40 Falun Gong practitioners were persecuted to death in 2017 alone.

On June 28, 2017, Yang Yuyong, a Falun Gong practitioner from Wuqing District in Tianjin, shared with his lawyer the details of how he was beaten by prison guard Liu Zhaogang, who also directed 13 inmates to assault him until he lost consciousness. Tragically, 13 days later, on July 11, Yang Yuyong died as a result of torture in the detention centre.

Upon receiving the news, Yang Yuyong's two children hurried to Wuqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, where they were confronted with their father's cold and lifeless body. They observed extensive bruising on his neck and body, blood in his eyes, significant wounds at the base of both ears, a charred left nipple, and puncture marks on his toenails, suggesting he had been stabbed with bamboo skewers. His back was covered in scars, and there were bloodstains from his waist down to his groin and thighs, clearly indicating that he had been tortured to death.

The Wuqing District Public Security Bureau and the detention centre failed to provide Yang Yuyong's family with an explanation for his death, instead deploying hundreds of police officers and special forces to seize his body.

Yang Yuyong's children lodged complaints with various authorities but were met with intimidation from Sun Guangxing, the deputy director of the local Public Security Bureau, and police officer Gu Liang from the Legal Affairs Section. They were warned against disseminating information online and prohibited from speaking to the media. All family members faced varying degrees of pressure from the police, and the lawyer hired by Yang Yuyong's family was also pressured by local judicial authorities, who forbade him from taking on Yang Yuyong's case.

Sun Lijun holds significant leadership and legal responsibility for the deaths of Falun Gong practitioners who were persecuted during his time as the director of the Domestic Security Protection Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security, director of the 610 Office of the Ministry of Public Security, deputy minister of the Ministry of Public Security, and deputy director of the Central 610 Office.

Conclusion

Sun Lijun had ambitious plans, aiming to advance a level every five years and reach the rank of a high-ranking official in the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China by the age of 64. However, human plans often fall short of fate's design. At just 51, he went from being a 'guest of honour' to a 'prisoner in the dock'.

It is a fundamental principle to repay debts. Sun Lijun has a blood debt to settle; can he afford not to repay it?

(Adapted from 'Dajiyuan') △