Former GM of China Southern Airlines expelled from party

Si Xianmin, former general manager of China Southern Airlines, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and is the subject of a judicial probe for indulging in graft, an official said on Wednesday.

The CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said Si took advantage of his post to seek benefits for others and to help his family business, in addition to accepting bribes, Xinhua reported.

Si, also the company's former deputy party chief, was found to have interfered in the work of CCDI inspectors. He also failed to report personal matters as required.

The CCDI investigation also showed that Si violated frugality rules, such as golfing at public expense and accepting gifts, as well as breaking financial rules in his management of the airline.

Si's son was also found to be taking money and properties from others.

The CCDI statement described his case as "serious".

He was dismissed from public office by the state council and his case has been passed over to prosecutors.

The CCDI announced in November that it had put Si under investigation.