Former natl defense official expelled from Party for serious violations

Zhang Jianhua, former deputy head of the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China for serious violations, according to a decision announced by the country's top anti-corruption watchdogs.

The decision was disclosed online by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision on Monday.

After an investigation, the commissions found Zhang illegally accepted gifts, cash, banquets and travel arrangements, and used his power to seek benefits for his families and friends.

He was also discovered to have received large amounts of valuables by using his positions to benefit others in areas such as project contracting, investment in shares and administrative approvals, the commissions noted.

They pointed out that Zhang seriously violated the Party's disciplines and is suspected of duty-related crimes, leading to the decision to expel him from the Party and confiscate his illicit gains.

The case will be referred to prosecutors for further review and prosecution, they added.

Zhang, 64, a native of Jiangsu province, was placed under disciplinary and supervisory investigation in May. He started his career in 1983 and joined the Party in 1985. Before he was probed, he had worked for the country's national defense system for decades.