China’s top graft-buster is investigating the former director of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine on suspicion of corruption.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said on Sunday that Yu Wenming, 62, was suspected of committing “serious violations of discipline and law”, a euphemism for corruption.
Yu last appeared in public giving a speech at the Qihuang Forum held by the Chinese Association of TCM in April. His was taking part as the association’s director.
Yu gained a national profile during the Covid pandemic as a vocal proponent of the approach to treat the coronavirus but started his career as a journalist in 1988, after graduating with a master’s degree from Tianjin University of TCM.
Yu became vice director of the administration in 2004 and was promoted to director in 2018, when the State Council embarked on a reshuffle of senior personnel at the nine agencies under its direct control. In 2023, he was replaced by Yu Yanhong.
During his term, Yu Wenming promoted the use of traditional Chinese medicine, heading central government calls to foster talent and systematically develop the discipline.
