Family of Chinese PM has hidden fortune: NYT

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Relatives of China’s reformist premier have amassed huge riches during his tenure, according to a report Friday that came as the Communist Party strives to clean house before a pivotal handover of power.
The New York Times investigation about the family of Wen Jiabao, who will be replaced in a 10-yearly leadership transition next month, coincided with an announcement clearing the way for the prosecution of disgraced leader Bo Xilai.
Beijing immediately dismissed the report as an attempt to tarnish China, with foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei telling reporters in response to a question on the article: “Some reports smear China and have ulterior motives.” Detailing a string of deals, the newspaper said that many relatives of the government’s number two — a self-styled man of the people known popularly as “Grandpa Wen” — had become “extraordinarily wealthy” during his time in office. Investments by Wen’s son, wife and others spanning the banking, jewellery and telecom sectors were worth at least $2.7 billion according to an analysis of company and regulatory filings from 1992-2012. The revelations come as a particular embarrassment for Wen, who is the standard-bearer of the Communist Party’s reformist wing and has campaigned against the rampant corruption that infuriates many ordinary Chinese. In a speech published in April, he said official corruption was “the biggest danger facing the ruling party” and warned that “those who hold political power may perish” unless it is addressed. President Hu Jintao, who like Wen will step down after 10 years in office, has also made fighting graft in the Communist Party a top priority, and the issue is sure to figure in the party’s 18th congress starting on November 8.
Ahead of the congress, the party proceeded with an unfinished item of business on Friday with the announcement by state media that ex-Chongqing city boss Bo had been expelled from parliament and had his legal immunity lifted. The decision to remove him from the National People’s Congress clears the way for Bo to be put on trial for corruption and other crimes related to the murder of a British businessman. State-owned Xinhua news agency said that Bo had “borne major responsibility” for the poisoning of Neil Heywood, even though his wife has already been convicted of his murder and handed a suspended death sentence.

9 COMMENTS

  1. With this kind of corruption even then they have economically won this world and brought revolutionary changes in China in all fields other than human values of chines culture..
    for god's sake if zardari. kiayni and judges can bring 50% of such kind of changes. I will stop cursing them

    • What about Nawaz Sharif who is the most corrupt politican in the history of Pakistan with his corruption scandals ranging from Motoways, ZailPak Cement yellowcabs, and now useless schemes in Punjab started for corruption. His govt did nt spend even a penny on electric power project because that does not give much chance for corruption contrary to roads and bridges.

      • you are angry on Sharif only??/ no body else is seen to you.What is present role of Nawaz in Pakistani politics for last 15 years.??He could have been bank corrupted by Musharraf but he least bothered for his accountability.On the other hand one can say Sharif returned back to country with more assets.
        Punjab is still considered save heaven as compared to other three province.Power is an issue of center govt still no given to provinces,First get the information and then try to discuss

        • "First get information" It shud apply to you first. Saga of corruption started in Pakistan with Nawaz Sharif inducted into govt in 1981 as FinanceMinister. His mills bought millions of dollar PakRailway scraps freely at almost zero/Kg prices. During his two govts, Ordinances were issued to write off taxes on his business imports for 3-4 days and then lifted after his imports completed and billions of rupees loss done to national exchequer. Story is long.

  2. Corruption is not an issue…its the wrong policies of Pakistan that is the cause of ruin..like strategic depth, sponsoring terrorist as extension of our foreign policy, state protection of feudal system.

    • Quite sensible. The above wrong policies are cause of foreign investment staying away from Pakistan. Pakistan image as an orthox mullahized country with SupremeCourt excercizing its limitless power, army intervention, support of terrorism all geting our economy down the drain. Yet some mullahistic minds and agency tout politicians have no sense of it. Irony is that they hold great influence on our media and educated youth. People like Nazia.

      • Ahh betaiy kay keha I am educated youth oh soo good to hear when I am in stage of Granny of dozens grand children.My influenced time has gone long time ago and now I am watching influenced YOUTH like you under some disorganized duffers

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