Former military leader expelled from CPC for graft

Xu Caihou, file photo/Agencies

BEIJING - Xu Caihou, former vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC), has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and his case handed over to prosecutors, announced the CPC Central Committee on Monday.

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

Investigation found that Xu took advantage of his post to assist the promotion of other people and accepted bribes personally and through his family members, said the statement issued after the meeting.

He was also found to have sought profits for others in exchange for money and properties, taken through his family members.

"His case is serious and leaves a vile impact," the statement said.

Xu had been under investigation for disciplinary violations from March 15 and his case has now been handed over to the military procuratorate.

Born in 1943, Xu was CMC vice chairman from 2004 to 2012 and was granted the military rank of General in 1999.

The investigation into him displayed firm resolve and zero tolerance of corruption in the Party and armed forces, according to the statement.

"The whole party and armed forces should be fully aware of the time-consuming, complicated and tough mission to fight corruption," it said.

"Anyone, no matter what authority and office he holds, will receive serious punishment if violating Party disciplines and laws. We will never compromise nor show mercy."

To carry out the CPC's political decisions, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) should follow a high and strict standard in terms of discipline, the statement said, vowing, "The Party will not harbor corrupt members nor will the armed forces."

For the Party and people, the PLA must always be trustworthy, the statement warned. The CPC leadership urged the armed forces to educate officers and soldiers to carry on good traditions, and maintain firm political status and high moral standards.

Party organs of all levels are asked to educate, manage and supervise their officials, especially senior ones, so that anti-corruption campaigns will continue making progress.

Officials should uphold socialist values, establish a correct perspective about power, fame and gain as well as resist temptations, the statement urged.

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