China's ruling party launches probe against outgoing premier Wen

06 Nov 2012

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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.