Former Xinjiang deputy chair expelled from CPC

Ren Hua, former deputy chairwoman of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China and dismissed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws, the country's top anti-graft body announced Monday.

Ren had lost faith and become disloyal to the Party, the body alleged, and deliberately planned to counter investigations against her. The 56-year-old had also taken part in superstitious activities, the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission said in a statement.

The anti-graft body also found Ren accepted invitations to banquets, shopping trips and beauty care sessions, which may have led to special treatment when performing official duties. She had also visited private clubs and accepted gifts and money.

Furthermore, Ren failed to report her personal information as required. She had been participating in activities with the alumni association that she founded, despite such behavior being against regulations.

The former deputy chairwoman was also involved in illegal lending and received generous payouts, abusing public power for personal gain. By helping others benefit in businesses, construction contracts and land transfers, she has illegally accepted a large number of goods and money, the statement said.

Ren's illicit gains will be confiscated and the suspected crimes will be transferred to the procuratorate for further investigation and prosecution, it added. The announcement putting her under investigation was made on June 1.

Ren became chairwoman of the region in January 2018 while still serving as deputy Party chief of the Department of Culture of Xinjiang and deputy director of the CPC Xinjiang regional committee's publicity department.