Former senior official expelled from Party

The former vice-minister of the National Development and Reform Commission has been expelled from the Party and handed over to judicial authorities for further investigation, the Party's graft-fighting watchdog announced on Thursday.

Liu Tienan, 59, who was also former head of the National Energy Administration, was found to be taking advantage of his post to seek gains, and accepting bribes, according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China.

The commission also accused Liu of abusing his power to seek benefits for his relative's businesses, and being "morally degenerate". No details were given.