A former deputy head of the agency that steers China’s state-dominated economy has been sentenced to life in prison for taking bribes, adding to a growing toll of prominent figures ensnared in a spreading anti-corruption crackdown.

CHINA yesterday disputed that it had surpassed the United States last year to become the world’s largest energy user, and defended its efforts in boosting cleaner energy sources.

China has overtaken the US as the world's largest user of energy, experts said today.