Zhang Tao, 57, Party secretary and chairman of China Aerospace Investment Holdings, was detained in early July for allegedly assaulting and injuring two people.
Zhang Tao, 57, Party secretary and chairman of China Aerospace Investment Holdings, was detained in early July for allegedly assaulting and injuring two people. According to the police statement, Zhang was dining on June 6 with two senior academicians from the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), Wang Jinnian, 85, and Wu Meirong, 55, whom he hoped would recommend him for membership of the IAA. After they refused because they did not know him well, Zhang became belligerent and attacked them in the elevator as they returned to their accommodations. Wang suffered spinal fractures and required surgery, and Wu had fractured ribs and other injuries. Both were hospitalized. Yet Zhang remained at work for a month until the case came to light. Netizens pointed out that he did not face any punishment until the incident went viral and criticized the company and the response by police. Netizens accused Zhang of using his influence to cover up the incident. Authorities have yet to comment on the case.