China probes head of state-owned China Telecom

In a bid to expand its anti-corruption campaign across all state sectors, the ruling Communist party announced Sunday it had placed Chang Xiaobing, chairman of China Telecom, under investigation.

State news agency Xinhua reported he was being probed for "severe disciplinary violations," citing a statement made by the party's disciplinary arm, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

Neither the statement or Xinhua provided any details of Chang's possible infractions, but used a vague Chinese term which typically refers to corruption.

Chang, the former chairperson of China Unicorn, another major state-owned telecommunications company, was named head of China Telecom in August.

Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the anti-corruption campaign after taking office in early 2013. The focus has since expanded with Xi warning that widespread corruption threatens his party's rule.

jlw/bk (AP, AFP)