Yang Xiaoming, Former Chairman of China National Biotec Group, Faces Serious Charges
Yang Xiaoming, a veteran researcher and former chairman of China National Biotec Group, a vaccine subsidiary of state-owned Sinopharm, is currently facing serious charges after being expelled from the parliament.
Background
Under Yang Xiaoming’s leadership, China developed Sinopharm’s BBIBP-CorV vaccine, the country’s first coronavirus shot. The vaccine gained widespread use and was exported to over 112 nations.
Expulsion and Investigation
China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) announced the removal of Yang Xiaoming for alleged “serious violations of discipline and law.” An investigation has been initiated by the party disciplinary body against the 62-year-old scientist.
Implications and Fallout
The efficacy of Sinopharm’s BBIBP-CorV vaccine has come under scrutiny, leading to embarrassment for the Chinese government. This incident is part of a broader crackdown on corruption in China’s health sector initiated by President Xi Jinping.
Yang Xiaoming’s Profile
Yang Xiaoming is a prominent figure in China’s vaccine development industry, having previously served as a chief engineer and scientist at Sinopharm. He played a key role in developing the COVID-19 vaccine, which was approved for international use in December 2020.
