Former municipal political advisor expelled from CPC

BEIJING -- Li Shixiang, a former municipal political advisor for Beijing, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) over serious violations of Party discipline and laws including taking bribes, the top anti-graft body announced Sunday.

The expulsion of Li, former vice chairman of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has been approved by the CPC Central Committee, according to a statement by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission.

Li traded power for money and took bribes himself or through his relatives by seeking huge benefits for private business owners, the statement said.

He also took advantage of his position to help others in recruitment and promotions.

Other offenses included failing to report personal matters to authorities and engaging in superstitious activities in his pursuit of a successful career.

Li's benefits have been cancelled, illicit gains confiscated and suspected crimes transfered to the judiciary for further examination and prosecution.