Chinese general facing graft charges dies of cancer

A former top Chinese general, who was facing a trial after admitting he took bribes in exchange for promotions and other favors, has died of bladder cancer.
Xu Caihou, a former Vice Chairman of the China's Central Military Commission (CMC) -- the highest military body that commands the all three armed forces -- died of multiple organ failure in a hospital yesterday, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Xu, the highest military official to face the charges, was put under investigation for bribery in March last year.
He served as the Vice Chairman of the CMC under former President Hu Jintao who headed the top military body.

In October, the military procuratorate finished its investigation into Xu's case and transferred all evidence in preparation for prosecution.
Xu was also expelled from the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) and discharged from military service with his rank as General revoked.

According to China's Criminal Procedure Law, the military procuratorate will drop all charges against Xu following his death.
His illegal assets acquired through bribery and corruption will be handled in accordance with the law, Xinhua report said.
In October, military prosecutors said that General Xu had confessed to taking "particularly huge bribes" either in person or through family members, in exchange for promotions and other favours, which were not specified.

Xu was part of 30 top military officials which included 14 senior Generals in charge of various commands.
They were held in the massive anti-corruption drive launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping after he took over power in 2013.