Zhang Lichang [File Photo: chinanews.com]

Zhang Lichang, former secretary of the Tianjin municipal committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) died of illness at 22:20 Thursday evening in Tianjin at the age of 68.

Zhang was a member of the Political Bureau of the 16th CPC Central Committee. He was also the deputy chief of a State Council working group responsible for reviving traditional industrial bases in northeast China.

An official obituary says Zhang had been an outstanding member of the CPC, a faithful Communist fighter and a distinguished leader of the Party's cause.