Zhang Yongze, former vice chairman of the People's Government of Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws, China's top anti-graft body announced on Thursday.

The punishment was handed down following an investigation by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, and with the approval of the CPC Central Committee.

The investigation found that Zhang's job performance was poor and he failed to resolutely implement the Party's policies for the governance of Xizang in the new era. Zhang damaged the political ecology of the region and he also refused to cooperate in the investigation.

Zhang was found to have taken advantage of his position to help others in areas such as project contracting and job adjustment, and he illegally accepted a vast amount of money and valuables in return.

He has severely violated the Party's discipline and committed duty-related offenses. He is also suspected of taking bribes, the top anti-graft body said.

In line with Party regulations and laws, a decision has been made to expel him from the Party and dismiss him from public office, confiscate his illicit gains, and hand over his case for judicial proceedings