Zhang Guoguang, the former governor of central China's Hubei Province, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and turned over to the judicial authorities on charges of taking bribes.

Sources with the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection alleged Zhang, who was also deputy secretary of the Hubei Provincial Committee of the CPC, took 960,000 yuan (US$115,700) in bribes and gifts while he was working in northeast China's Liaoning Province. In return, he used his power to help people obtain benefits illegally.

Investigations by the commission found Zhang took more than 300,000 yuan (US$36,100) in cash and valuables from a company in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning, in exchange for helping the firm obtain loans and projects. He also allegedly accepted more than 300,000 yuan (US$36,100) in cash and valuables from others and helped them to win government offices.

"By seriously punishing Zhang, it shows the Party is steadfast in building a clean government and fighting corruption. It also shows there is no room for corrupt elements in our Party and that all people are treated equally before the Party and the law," said a high-ranking official with the commission.

The commission asked officials at various levels, especially leading officials, to learn from the lesson of Zhang Guoguang and to be more disciplined.

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2004)