Ex-Party secretary admits to taking bribes

Zhao Zhengyong, former Party secretary of Shaanxi province, pleaded guilty to accepting bribes of more than 700 million yuan ($99 million) at his trial in a court in Tianjin on Monday.

Prosecutors clarified that 291 million yuan of the bribes had not been paid.

From 2003 to 2018, Zhao made use of his various posts, including governor and Party secretary of the province, to help individuals and departments benefit in project contracting, job promotion, job transfers and business operations. He illegally accepted money or gifts worth over 717 million yuan in return for these favors, prosecutors said at the trial in Tianjin No 1 Intermediate People's Court.

Zhao, also a former national legislator, was placed under investigation in January 2019 on suspicion of serious violations of disciplinary rules of the Communist Party of China and laws.

He was removed from public office in March 2019.

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence, which was examined by Zhao and his defense attorneys. Both sides have fully expressed their opinions, according to the court.

Zhao pleaded guilty and expressed remorse in his final statement.

The trial was attended by legislators, political advisers, journalists and members of the public.

The court said the sentence will be announced later.