Former Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang reacts as he attends the Hebei delegation discussion sessions at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing in this October 16, 2007 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

Zhou Yongkang is charged with bribery, abuse of power, intentional disclose of State secrets.

Zhou is the highest-ranking official investigated in the fight against corruption since 1978, when China's reform and opening-up was launched.

In July, Zhou, who retired from the Politburo Standing Committee in 2012, was placed under investigation for suspected serious disciplinary violations by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

He was arrested in December, expelled from the Party and placed under investigation by the top prosecuting department, accused of a series of offenses, including accepting bribes and leaking State secrets.

Zhou Qiang, chief judge of the Supreme People's Court, said: "After prosecuting him, the court will handle Zhou's case in accordance with the law. No one is above the law."