Retired General Xu Caihou, one of China's most senior military official, is among the latest members to be expelled from the Communist Party Monday in President Xi Jinping's zero-tolerance towards corruption campaign.

Xu's expulsion with three other high-profile officials followed a Politburo meeting presided over by President Xi on Monday.

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"We must insist on governing the party in a strict manner," President Xi was quoted saying in a discussion to reduce corrupt officials in the Communist Party.

"Officials at all levels must keep clean, use their power in the right way and be able to withstand temptation," reported Xinhua News Agency.

The retired deputy commander of the People's Liberation Army will be facing court martial and could potentially be given a death sentence should he be found guilty of graft, reported South China Morning Post.

He was reportedly under investigation since March 15 and was determined to have used his position to secure promotions for various individuals. According to various reports, the expelled Party member had received bribes "personally and through his family members."

A professor at the National Defense University said that Xu's expulsion shows the increasing progress in President Xi's anti-graft drive. The party publication, People's Daily newspaper, reported in a front-page commentary that Xi's government vows to seriously punish members no matter how high their rank.

An expert in Chinese politics, Zhang Lifan, told the Wall Street Journal how Xu has been protected by his office even after corruption allegations had surfaced. "But," Lifan explained, "his protective umbrella can no longer help him."

To date, General Xu is the highest-ranking member brought down by President Xi's aggressive drive against corruption.

The Politburo meeting was held a day before the 93^rd founding anniversary of the Communist Party. The President warned that the biggest threat to the survival of the party is corruption, which he has been addressing since he took power as party leader in November 2012.

TagsGeneral Xu Caihou, General Xu, Politburo meeting, China's Communist Party