Execution

China executed the former chairman of a huge state owned airport holding company six months after he was convicted on bribery and embezzlement charges involving more than $14.6 million.

Li Peiying, had been the chairman and general manager of Capital Airports Holding Company, a conglomerate that runs 30 airports in 9 Chinese provinces, including Beijing’s new international airport.

He supervised 18,000 employees who  served 30 percent of China's air passenger traffic.

His execution underscored the gravity of the national government’s campaign against official corruption. President Hu Jintao labeled corruption a serious threat to stability.

Michael Wines reported from Beijing, and Mark McDonald from Hong Kong.