Guo Boxiong, 74, was accused of using his influence to seek promotions for others and of accepting bribes.

He was stripped of his rank of general and his personal assets have been seized, Xinhua news agency reports.

President Xi Jinping has led a major anti-corruption campaign since taking office nearly four years ago.

Dozens of high-level officials have been jailed as part of the drive.

From 2002 until 2012, Guo served as vice-chairman of China`s Central Military Commission, which is in charge of the People`s Liberation Army - the world`s biggest armed forces.

During that time he had also been a member of the 25-person Politburo - the power-base of the Communist Party.

The Communist Party expelled him last year following a corruption probe.

`Corruption is greatest threat`

Guo`s trial was held behind closed doors and Xinhua did not disclose the amount of money involved.

But sources told the South China Morning Post in April that Guo was prosecuted for accepting bribes worth $12.3m (£8.6m).

The paper reported that this was thought to be a small fraction of the wealth actually amassed by the former general, who was one of the most senior officers to serve under former President Hu Jintao.

Guo had admitted his crimes, expressed regret, accepted the judgment and would not appeal, Xinhua said.

"Corruption is the greatest threat our party faces, and is the top killer of the military`s fighting ability," the Reuters news agency quoted the defence ministry`s website as saying.

The case follows that of another top general, Xu Caihou, also accused of taking bribes in exchange for assisting in promotions, but who died last year before a trial.

State media reported that it had taken a week to catalogue all the cash, jewels and antiques amassed in Xu`s Beijing residence, and that 12 trucks had been required to remove them all.

Guo`s son, a major general, is also under investigation for corruption.

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