China's ruling party launches probe against outgoing premier Wen
06 Nov 2012
An internal inquiry into allegations against China's premier Wen Jibao, has been launched by the Communist Party after Wen himself asked for a probe to clear his name, according to a report yesterday.
Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported yesterday that Wen himself called for a probe against recent allegations by the New York Times that his family had amassed huge wealth during his 10-year tenure.
According to the report, Wen asked the Politburo Standing Committee for a probe to clear his name at the last meeting of the outgoing leadership. The committee is the party's top decision-making body of which Wen is also a member.
According to the Post, the committee had agreed to his request.
The report has already been dismissed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry as also by Wen's family as part of a smear campaign.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee has endorsed the expulsion of the disgraced politician Bo Xilai, from the party and promoted two military leaders.