Former senior executive of aluminum producer stands trial for graft

SHENYANG - Sun Zhaoxue, the former general manager of the Aluminum Corp of China (CHALCO), stood trial on charges of corruption at a court in Tieling, Liaoning province, Thursday.

According to the indictment by Tieling City Procuratorate, between 2003 and 2013, Sun abused his positions and offered help to secure projects and official promotion for several companies and individuals.

Between 2005 and 2014, it was alleged, Sun accepted gifts and money totalling over 38.81 million yuan ($5.8 million) from the companies and individuals involved, personally or through his wife, Zhang Xiuxia, according to the prosecutors.

Also, the prosecutors found that the family's properties and expenditure markedly exceeded their legal income, and Sun could not explain where this money had come from.

In his final statement, Sun confessed to his offenses and expressed regret.

About 50 people, including representatives of local legislators, political advisors, journalists and members of the public were present at the open trial.

The court adjourned to deliberate on its final ruling.