Former senior leader stands trial for graft

JINAN -- Su Rong, former vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, stood trial Thursday on charges of corruption at a court in East China's Shandong province.

Su is charged with accepting a large amount in bribes and abuse of power that caused great losses for the state.

Prosecutors allege that Su took advantage of various official positions to offer business favors and promotions to groups and individuals, accepting bribes worth about 110 million yuan ($15.8 million) either personally or through others from 2002 to 2014.

He is also accused of holding a large amount of property from unidentified sources. Su's property and expenditures exceeded his legal income, and he could not explain how he obtained assets worth more than 80 million yuan.

Su pleaded guilty to his crimes and expressed remorse during the trial.

More than 100 people, including representatives of local legislators, political advisors, journalists and members of the public were present at the open trial.

The ruling will be announced at a later date.