Beijing: The second most senior official in China's populous Sichuan province is suspected of corruption, an official said today, the latest implicated in a high-profile anti-graft campaign.
Provincial governor Wei Hong is suspected of "severe disciplinary violations", generally a euphemism for corruption, anti-graft official Wu Yuliang said, and was "reflecting on his mistakes".
The allegation comes as part of a high-profile crackdown on corruption led by President Xi Jinping that has deposed several senior officials, notably former security chief Zhou Yongkang.
One of Zhou's power bases was Sichuan, in China's southwest with a population of some 80 million. A number of senior officials there have been investigated in recent years.
Official allegations of graft against high-level politicians are generally followed by an internal probe by China's Communist party, and sometimes lead to criminal proceedings almost guaranteed to end in conviction.
With corruption widespread in China, critics say there is a lack of transparency around Xi's campaign and it has been used for political infighting.
Wu, a vice chief of the ruling party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said that such "twisted" views came from "a biased and wrong perspective", according to a press conference transcript.
But he revealed that only a small minority of officials found guilty of graft and other offences by the party end up prosecuted in criminal courts.
Just 14,000 party members faced legal proceedings as a result of discipline violations last year, he said, while 336,000 were punished internally.
He added that China was "in contact" with the United States over Ling Wancheng, the brother of Ling Jihua, a former chief of staff to Chinese president Hu Jintao.
Ling Wancheng reportedly fled to the United States when his brother became a target of the anti-corruption campaign.
Provincial governor Wei Hong is suspected of "severe disciplinary violations", generally a euphemism for corruption, anti-graft official Wu Yuliang said, and was "reflecting on his mistakes".
The allegation comes as part of a high-profile crackdown on corruption led by President Xi Jinping that has deposed several senior officials, notably former security chief Zhou Yongkang.
Official allegations of graft against high-level politicians are generally followed by an internal probe by China's Communist party, and sometimes lead to criminal proceedings almost guaranteed to end in conviction.
Advertisement
Wu, a vice chief of the ruling party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said that such "twisted" views came from "a biased and wrong perspective", according to a press conference transcript.
Advertisement
Just 14,000 party members faced legal proceedings as a result of discipline violations last year, he said, while 336,000 were punished internally.
Advertisement
Ling Wancheng reportedly fled to the United States when his brother became a target of the anti-corruption campaign.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Days After India Visit, Bangladesh PM In China To Hold Talks With Xi Jinping China Pledges Support For Tajikistan 'Territorial Integrity' "China-Russia Ties At High Level": Xi After Meeting "Old Friend" Putin BJP Plans UP Overhaul After Lok Sabha Poll Drubbing: Sources "I Divorce You... Your Ex-Wife": Dubai Princess Dumps Husband In Insta Post In Massive Row Over Karnataka 100% Quota Bill, Chief Minister Deletes Post FMGE 2024: Results Out For Foreign Medical Graduates Examination Mercedes-Benz Wishbox Campaign Launched, Aimed To Reinforce Accessibility All You Need To Know About New UK Government's Key Policy Plans Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.