To China’s credit, it’s trying to send a clear message that business as usual (i.e. corruption and favoritism) will not be tolerated. However, a death sentence for embezzlement might be going a wee bit too far. From the NY Times:
A Chinese Banker Is Convicted, and a Message Is Sent
By KEITH BRADSHER
Published: August 13, 2005
HONG KONG, Aug. 12 – One of China’s best-known bankers was convicted of embezzlement Friday and given a death sentence, which was suspended, state news media reported, the latest chapter in a series of banking scandals in China.