China has expelled one of its most senior ethnic Uighur officials from the Communist Party, the country's anti-corruption watchdog said on Saturday (March 16), accusing the former energy chief of abusing his position to live a "lavish life", ST reported quoting AFP.

Nur Bekri, who was placed under investigation last September and removed from his post a month later, engaged in "family-style corruption", illegally accepting property directly or through his relatives, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said in a statement.

China's anti-graft agency said investigations revealed Bekri - described as "greedy and corrupt" by the watchdog - had demanded luxury cars for his relatives, participated in opulent banquets, accepted expensive gifts from those seeking favours and lived a "lavish life" in violation of Communist party principles.
He was also accused of trading power for sex.

He has been expelled from the party and his case will be transferred to prosecutors for further investigation, the statement added.