Former senior provincial official stands trial for bribery

FUZHOU -- Zeng Zhiquan, a former senior official in southern China's Guangdong province, stood trial for taking bribes at the Intermediate People's Court of Fuzhou in eastern China's Fujian province Monday.

Zeng was a former member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Guangdong Provincial Committee and former head of the provincial United Front Work Department.

According to the indictment, Zeng used his various positions between 2004 and 2017 in Guangdong to help others obtain projects and personnel promotions and in return, he illegally accepted money and goods worth over 140 million yuan (20.8 million U.S. dollars) directly or through his relatives.

In his final statement, Zeng pleaded guilty and expressed remorse.

The trial was attended by more than 40 people including legislators, political advisors, press and members of the public.

The verdict will be announced in due course.