A vice-minister-level official in Jiangxi province was demoted seven levels in the hierarchy of Chinese officials, a rare punishment of a Party official for corruption that prompted discussions on the Internet.

The Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said on Wednesday that Zhao Zhiyong, was removed from his post as a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee and secretary-general of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee, which is equivalent to a vice-minister in the official hierarchy. He was demoted to the level of a section worker, the second-lowest rung on the ladder.

Additionally, Zhang Tianxin, former Party secretary of Kunming, capital of Yunnan, another vice-minister-level official, was demoted by four levels to become a deputy division chief, equivalent to a deputy chief of a county.