Updated

China says it will prosecute the former head of border guards in the strategically key northwestern region of Xinjiang on charges of selling promotions.

The Communist Party's corruption watchdog body also said Tuesday that Zhang Genheng has been expelled from the party and the military.

Beijing has invested massively in the security of Xinjiang, which borders Afghanistan, Pakistan and several Central Asian countries.

The move underscores President Xi Jinping's determination to uproot corruption across government, including in the military, which has long had a reputation for the sale of positions, embezzlement and abuse of perks granted to officers.

Among the highest-ranking targets of the campaign is the former vice chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission, Guo Boxiong, who is accused of accepting bribes to grant promotions and other benefits.