Fabricated Identities and Unverified Claims: The Case of Fake Academician Ruan Shaoping

On August 5, 2025, the Pengpai News reported that a man named Ruan Shaoping has been falsely claiming the title of 'Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' for years. He has appeared at various institutions, including primary and secondary schools in Guangdong Province and the Bolo County Chinese Medicine Hospital, drawing widespread public concern.

Following the exposure of the incident, schools such as Luofu Mountain Taixue School and the Shatian Town Central Primary School in Dongguan have removed related content from their official accounts. According to the Bolo County Education Bureau, the county government has transferred the matter to the education department for investigation. The Bolo County Health and Wellness Bureau has also intervened, promising to release an official statement in the future.

Upon investigation, the WeChat official account 'National Brand Development Project' repeatedly promoted Ruan Shaoping, labeling him as an 'Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,' 'Political Commissioner of Leishen Mountain and Huoshan Mountain,' and 'Former Vice President of the First Military Medical University of the PLA.' However, these claims were found to be entirely fabricated.

The 'National Brand Development Project' account is operated by Beijing Huyue Yingfei Cultural Media Co., Ltd. The company’s legal representative, Zhang Mou, stated that two years ago, the company invited Ruan Shaoping to serve as a health advisor. He claimed the title of 'Academician' himself, and the company did not question his claims at the time.

Alongside the 'Academician' title, Ruan Shaoping also falsely presented himself as 'Founder of the Chinese Ruan Shuntang School of Traditional Chinese Medicine,' 'President of Beijing Ruan Shuntang Chinese Medicine Hospital,' and 'Health Advisor for the 'Radiant China' and 'National Brand Development Project.'

When contacted, the Beijing Ruan Shuntang Chinese Medicine Hospital stated that it was 'unaware' of these claims. Multiple attempts to reach Ruan Shaoping directly have gone unanswered.

Ruan Shaoping has frequently appeared at events across the country using the 'Academician' title, even claiming to be the 'Health Advisor of the National Brand Development Project.'

According to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, there is no record of Ruan Shaoping being an academician. Additionally, the Southern Medical University, formerly known as the First Military Medical University of the PLA, confirmed that Ruan's claim of being a former vice president of the university is false.

According to business information, Ruan Shaoping is associated with Shenzhen Ruan Shuntang Wine Co., Ltd., where he holds a 20% stake. In April 2024, the legal representative and investor of Beijing Ruan Shuntang Chinese Medicine Hospital was changed from Ruan Shaoping to Ruan Moukun, who is now the legal representative of multiple companies, including Ruan Shuntang Health Technology Co., Ltd.

On August 6, 2025, the official WeChat account 'Ruan Shuntang' featured several top videos, two of which were advertisements for tea products. However, these products have since been taken offline. Other videos featured Ruan Moukun discussing traditional Chinese medicine and health topics.

It was also discovered that Ruan Shuntang Health Technology Co., Ltd. applied for a patent in 2018, titled 'A Chinese Herbal Medicine Composition and Preparation Method for Lowering Blood Sugar.' The patent abstract notes that the composition includes 40%-45% kudzu root, 33%-37% Solomon's seal, and 20%-24% honeysuckle. The patent inventors listed include Ruan Shaoping.

Despite multiple attempts, Ruan Shaoping has not responded to the media's inquiries. When contacted, representatives from Ruan Moukun’s companies stated that they were 'unaware' of the situation.

According to the Beijing News, Ruan Moukun is the father of Ruan Shaoping.

This case highlights the growing issue of individuals fabricating academic and professional credentials to gain public trust and exploit opportunities. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for the public to remain vigilant and verify the credentials of public figures.