Former provincial official stands corruption trial

A former Chinese provincial official was tried Tuesday on corruption charges involving almost 75 million yuan (about US$12 million).

Zhang Wenxiong, former head of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China Hunan provincial committee, was accused of taking bribes amounting to 23 million yuan between 2004 and 2016 in exchange of favor in personnel matters, construction and real estate projects, according to the Intermediate People's Court of Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autumonous Region.

Zhang also could not account for his assets of more than 51 million yuan, the court found. Zhang's family wealth and expenditure clearly exceeded his legal income, the court said.

Zhang admitted his crimes and confessed in court.

The court adjourned after Tuesday's hearing. The ruling will be announced at a later date.