China Tower’s Ex-Chairman Disappears
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The former chairman of state-owned telecom infrastructure giant China Tower Corp. Ltd. has been out of contact for more than two months, multiple sources told Caixin.
Tong Jilu’s disappearance is likely linked to the case involving Ding Wei, ex-chairman of the private equity investment arm of China International Capital Corp. (CICC), one of the country’s largest brokerages, said sources familiar with the matter. Ding was taken away last month by authorities responsible for investigating corruption and other misconduct by Communist Party officials.
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- Former China Tower chairman Tong Jilu has been missing for over two months, possibly linked to a corruption probe involving ex-CICC executive Ding Wei.
- Tong's wife and son, both previously employed in major telecom and financial firms, are also unreachable.
- Tong led China Tower through its 2018 $7 billion Hong Kong IPO, with 2021 revenues of 87 billion yuan ($12 billion) and profits of 7.3 billion yuan.
- China Tower Corp. Ltd.
- China Tower Corp. Ltd. is a state-owned telecom infrastructure giant co-founded by major Chinese telecom carriers like China Unicom. Its former chairman, Tong Jilu, played a crucial role in its establishment, leading it to a major IPO in Hong Kong in 2018. The company reported significant revenues and profits in 2021.
- China International Capital Corp. (CICC)
- China International Capital Corp. (CICC) is one of China's largest brokerages. Ding Wei, ex-chairman of its private equity investment arm, was taken away concerning a corruption investigation. Tong Jilu's son, a former chairman of China Tower Corp. Ltd., also worked at CICC.
- China United Network Communications Group Co. Ltd. (China Unicom)
- China United Network Communications Group Co. Ltd. (China Unicom) is one of China's biggest telecom carriers. It co-founded China Tower Corp. Ltd. Tong Jilu, former chairman of China Tower, previously held senior positions at China Unicom, including chief accountant, vice president, and deputy general manager. His wife also worked at the Beijing branch of China Unicom.
- 1998：
- Tong Jilu became deputy director of the Liaoning provincial postal bureau.
- July 2000：
- Tong Jilu joined China Unicom, taking on several senior positions including chief accountant, vice president, and deputy general manager.
- 2002：
- Tong Jilu was involved in China Unicom’s A-share listing.
- 2008：
- Tong Jilu participated in the restructuring of the telecommunications industry.
- July 2014：
- Tong Jilu moved to China Tower as general manager.
- March 2018：
- Tong Jilu was promoted to chairman of China Tower.
- August 2018：
- China Tower completed its IPO in Hong Kong, raising nearly $7 billion.
- September 2021：
- Tong Jilu retired from his post as chairman of China Tower.
- June 2025：
- Tong Jilu, his wife, and son became uncontactable.
- July 2025：
- Ding Wei, ex-chairman of CICC’s private equity investment arm, was taken away by authorities.
- CX Weekly Magazine
Aug. 15, 2025, Issue 31
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