Xiao Yaqing, minister of industry and information technology, has been put under investigation for suspected violations of Party discipline and laws. Photo: CCDI Wechat account

Xiao Yaqing, former Chinese Minister of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), has been expelled from the Party and removed from his post for disciplinary and duty violations, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), China's top anti-graft body, announced on Monday.

According to the investigation by the CCDI, Xiao abandoned the original mission, lost political consciousness and Party principles, ignored the spirit of the eight-point rules, missed the bottom line of discipline law and illegally accepted large amounts of money from others. 

Xiao seriously violated the Party's political discipline, organizational discipline and integrity discipline, which constituted duty violation. He did not restrain himself or stop the violation after the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. 

In view that Xiao truthfully explained his violations in a relatively short time, admitted and regretted his mistakes, it was decided that he should be treated leniently. 

It was decided to expel Xiao from the Party and give him the punishment of removal from government post.  

Global Times