Briefly

Former vice-governor pleads guilty to graft

Li Jiexiang, former executive vice-governor of Qinghai province and former vice-chairman of Qinghai People's Congress Standing Committee, pleaded guilty to taking bribes of 88.2 million yuan ($12.4 million) in a public trial held by Tianjin No 2 Intermediate People's Court of Tianjin on Thursday. Li made a final statement in court, which said it will announce the verdict at a later date. Prosecutors accused Li of using his various positions in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and in Qinghai to assist companies and individuals in matters such as project tendering, job promotions and obtaining financial subsidies.

1,660 rumormongering accounts punished