Prominent academic Professor Xia Yeliang latest target in China's crackdown on dissent

A liberal Chinese economist who had been an outspoken critic of China's ruling Communist Party has been expelled from the elite Peking University, amid a broader crackdown on dissent.

ITV News China Correspondent Angus Walker has spoken to Mr Xia:

Professor Xia Yeliang, was sacked for 'substandard' teaching, however he says he has been persecuted for his outspoken criticism of the ruling Communist party.

Xia said he was told on Friday that professors and school leaders had voted to end his contract.

He said his microblog has been blocked by authorities.

More than 130 members of the Wellesley faculty wrote an open letter to Peking University officials saying they would ask college administrators to cancel the exchange programme if Xia was fired for political reasons.

The sacking comes as other critics are being targeted by the state. One of China's most prominent bloggers Charles Xue has also been arrested.