File photo of Guo Boxiong

BEIJING - Guo Boxiong, a former Chinese military leader, was expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) for taking bribes, according to a decision made at a meeting of the CPC Central Committee's Political Bureau on Thursday.

The political bureau also decided to transfer his case and relevant evidence to military prosecutors for handling in accordance with the law.

Guo, 73, served as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) from 2002 to 2012.

The decision was made after members of the political bureau reviewed and approved a report by the CMC disciplinary inspection authority on Guo's investigation on Thursday.

Investigations found that Guo took advantage of his post to seek promotions and benefits for others and accepted bribes personally or through his family, said the statement issued after the meeting.

"His acts seriously violated the CPC's discipline and left a vile impact," it said.

The statement said the CPC Central Committee on April 9 decided to put Guo under investigation according to the Party's disciplinary rules.

FIRM HAND AGAINST CORRUPTION

The punishment of Guo demonstrates the firm determination of the CPC Central Committee, with Xi Jinping as general secretary, to strictly govern the Party and armed forces in line with the law, the statement said.

It also shows the CPC leadership's strong will to firmly punish corrupt officials and control corruption, the statement said.

The whole Party and armed forces should be aware that the battle against corruption is still tough and complicated and should progress unwaveringly.