CPC expels four top officials for graft

A top Chinese military leader was expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) after being placed under investigation for suspected corruption, authorities announced Monday.

The Party's top graft watchdog separately announced the expulsion of three more senior officials.

Xu Caihou, 71, former vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC), is the highest-ranking military officer to be placed under investigation for corruption since the founding of the country in 1949.

Xu was CMC vice chairman from 2004 to 2012 and was granted the military rank of General in 1999.

The decision was made earlier in the day at a meeting of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, presided over by Xi Jinping, who is also the chairman of the CMC.

The investigation found that Xu took advantage of his post to assist in the promotion of other people and accepted bribes personally and through family members, said the statement issued after the meeting. He was also found to have helped others to gain profit in exchange for money and properties, taken through his family members.

According to traceable media reports, Xu made his last public appearance on January 20, when he attended a performance held by the CMC for retired senior military officers.

Speculation regarding Xu's situation was triggered when his name was not listed at the funeral of retired Major General Wang Zhi on April 13.

Monday's statement said Xu has been under investigation for disciplinary violations since March 15 and his case has now been handed over to military prosecutors.

A source within the military, who asked to remain anonymous, on Monday told the Global Times that Xu's case may be related to the probe into Gu Junshan, former deputy head of the General Logistics Department of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), who was charged with embezzlement, bribery, misuse of State funds and abuse of power three months ago.

It only took two years for Gu to be promoted to the rank of Major General from a divisional-level officer.

An earlier report by caixin.com revealed Gu's lavish life. It was reported that Gu owned dozens of properties in Beijing and during a search of his villa in his hometown, a gold statue of Chairman Mao Zedong, a gold statue of a ship and boxes of alcoholic liquor Moutai were confiscated.

On Monday, an editorial posted on the PLA Daily's website pledged support for the CPC Central Committee's actions regarding Xu, and asked all officers to resolutely support the decision.

Xu is the highest-ranking military officer ever toppled for corruption, said the military source.

In the 2007-12 period, the General also held a seat in the 25-member Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, making him the most senior to be investigated since November 2012.

According to the website of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), around 30 officials at provincial and ministerial level or higher have been investigated since then.

"This is an extremely strong demonstration of the determination that Xi's administration is giving to the anti-graft campaign. It's hard to earn public trust and confidence if this detestable problem cannot be solved," the source said.

According to the source, Xu's position and influence can be used as a huge deterrent to the whole Party and military to curb corruption.

Also on Monday, the CCDI announced on its website that another three senior officials have been expelled from the CPC for "serious discipline and law violations."

The three officials are Jiang Jiemin, former head of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, Li Dongsheng, former Vice Minister of Public Security, and Wang Yongchun, former vice general manager of the China National Petroleum Corporation.