Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Chinese and Communist Party authorities announced this morning that an investigation into possible corruption was underway against the party boss of the great southern metropolis of Guangzhou (Canton), capital of the rich province of Guangdong.
The authorities have begun investigating Wan Qingliang, a rising star in national politics, for "serious disciplinary violations," a euphemism used by the state bureaucracy for corruption.
His arrest is yet another case involving a high ranking Chinese official. Since he came to power in late 2012, President Xi Jinping has led a campaign against "tigers and flies", officials guilty of pocketing public money or keeping a lifestyle beyond their means.
The great analyst and political dissident Bao Tong has questioned the true nature of this campaign, arguing that it hides a showdown within the Party. In fact, little is known about the investigation into Wan's affairs. The latter was best known for his frugality whilst serving as Guangzhou's youngest ever mayor.
Guangzhou is China's sixth largest city and capital of the economically significant Guangdong province.
Its proximity Hong Kong and the development of its immediate region have turned the city into a major financial and industrial hub.