Former defense firm executive expelled from Party, office

Liu Weidong, a former deputy general manager of the State-owned defense contractor China South Industries Group Corp, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China and removed from his post, the country's top anti-graft bodies said on Thursday.

The CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision said in a joint statement that Liu was investigated for serious violations of Party discipline and state laws.

Investigators found that Liu betrayed his oaths to the Party and the people, resisted organizational scrutiny, and violated the Party's code of conduct by attending banquets, sightseeing tours and golf games that could have compromised his ability to carry out official duties impartially.

He was also found to have accepted large bribes and to have unlawfully helped others gain jobs or promotions in exchange for money and gifts.

Authorities said Liu seriously violated the Party's political, organizational and integrity disciplines and is suspected of committing bribery. His case has been handed over to prosecutors, and his illicit gains have been confiscated.

China South Industries Group is one of the country's major defense contractors, specializing in the research and production of infantry weapons and armored combat vehicles.