In China, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Tang Renjian has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC). According to an official statement today, the decision was made following the conclusion of an investigation into Tang for serious violations of Party discipline and the law. He was also deprived of his qualification as a delegate to the 20th CPC National Congress. The statement said Tang was found to be ineffectual in implementing the CPC Central Committee’s decisions and plans regarding agriculture, rural areas, and rural residents.