GUANGZHOU -- Wang Minghui, former vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of Sichuan Provincial People's Congress, on Thursday stood trial for taking bribes and abuse of power.

The case was heard by the Intermediate People's Court of Foshan, South China's Guangdong province.

Between 1998 and 2021, Wang took advantage of his various positions in Sichuan to assist other individuals and entities in matters such as project contracting, business operation, and position adjustment. In return, he accepted money and property valued at over 52.13 million yuan (about $7.14 million), according to the Foshan Municipal People's Procuratorate.

Wang was also charged with abusing his power and violating relevant laws and regulations in an expressway project in 2013, which resulted in massive losses to public property and the interests of the state and the people, according to the procuratorate.

At the court, the prosecutors presented their evidence, which the defendant and his lawyers cross-examined. Wang pleaded guilty and expressed remorse in his final statement.

A verdict will be announced in due course.