Three of the four Rio executives on trial in Shanghai pleaded guilty to taking bribes, including the Australian national Stern Hu, a lawyer for one of the accused said on Monday.

The lawyer Zhai Jian said Hu and two Chinese nationals employed by Rio -- Liu Caikui and Ge Minqiang -- pleaded guilty. Another of the accused, Wang Yong, rejected the charge, said Zhai, who represents Ge.

Australia's Consul-General in Shanghai, Tom Connor, said Hu made some admission of accepting bribes. He was accused of taking two separate bribes of 1 million yuan and $790,000, Connor said.

(Reporting by Lucy Hornby; Editing by Ken Wills)

Australia Lawyer