Mining group officials admit accepting bribes in Shanghai

AN Australian executive and three Chinese officials with mining giant Rio Tinto have pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in a Shanghai court.

Lawyers yesterday said Stern Hu and the three Chinese nationals – Liu Caikui, Ge Minqiang and Wang Yong – pleaded guilty, but disputed the amounts they are alleged to have accepted. They still face charges on stealing commercial secrets.

The case has led to strained relations between China and Australia.