China investigates deputy minister

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/20/china-investigates-deputy-minister

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China says it has placed a vice-minister of public security under investigation for suspected "serious law and discipline violations".

No details were given in the one-sentence announcement about Li Dongsheng, who was placed under investigation by the ruling Communist party's disciplinary body. However, such investigations usually relate to alleged corruption and abuse of power.

Li, 58, has a number of other titles, including vice-director of the office responsible for the crackdown on the Falun Gong spiritual movement.

The announcement comes amid persistent rumours of an investigation into the former security tsar Zhou Yongkang because of his close association with the disgraced politician Bo Xilai.

It also follows the establishment of a national security committee strengthening President Xi Jinping's control over the military, intelligence bodies and police.

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