China's industry minister faces corruption probe

Xiao Yaqing, pictured here in 2008, is the latest senior cadre to face a corruption probe

Xiao Yaqing, Entertainment News pictured here in 2008, is the latest senior cadre to face a corruption probe

China’s minister for industry and information technology is being investigated for alleged corruption, state media reported Thursday, the latest senior cadre to be snared by Beijing’s sweeping crackdown.

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Xiao Yaqing is among the biggest names caught up in President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption drive, Entertainment News and the investigation into him comes ahead of a key leadership summit this autumn where the Chinese leader will seek to cement his grip on power.

Ostensibly a crackdown on corruption, Entertainment News critics say the wide-ranging campaign launched just after Xi took power in 2012 has also served to remove those voicing criticism of the all-powerful leader, or seen as a threat.