Zhang Wenkang

Early Career and Path into Government

Zhang Wenkang was born in 1940. He spent much of his early career in the military medical system, graduating from the medical faculty of the Second Military Medical University and subsequently working in clinical practice and health administration, including as director of the health department of the PLA General Logistics Department. In 1998 he moved from the military into the State Council, becoming Minister of Health with responsibility for national health administration.

Zhang Wenkang's central controversy during the SARS outbreak occurred at a press conference on 3 April 2003, where he publicly stated that mainland China had recorded only 12 SARS deaths and that it was 'safe to work, live, and travel' in China — a statement widely regarded as a severe understatement that concealed the true scale of the outbreak. Shortly before this, retired military doctor Jiang Yanyong had already alerted the media and senior leadership that the actual number of cases and deaths in Beijing far exceeded official figures; his letter, disclosed by foreign media, drew international attention. On 20 April 2003, the State Council Information Office held a press conference announcing the simultaneous removal of Zhang and Beijing Mayor Meng Xuenong, with Gao Qiang and Wang Qishan appointed as their respective successors (Minister of Health and Acting Mayor of Beijing). Zhang became the most senior official dismissed in the SARS accountability crisis. He has not held any position of substantive public power since.