China investigates head of state-owned telecommunications giant

In this Feb. 27, 2014 file photo, then Chairman of China Unicom Ltd. Chang Xiaobing speaks at a press conference to announce the company’s 2013 earnings in Hong Kong Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014. Chang, the head of a Chinese telecommunications giant has been placed under investigation on suspicion of corruption, the ruling Communist Party announced Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, as Beijing expands its anti-corruption campaign to more state sectors. AP File Photo

BEIJING, China—The head of a Chinese telecommunications giant has been placed under investigation on suspicion of corruption, the ruling Communist Party announced Sunday, as Beijing expands its anti-corruption campaign to more state sectors.

The party’s disciplinary arm, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said on its website that Chang Xiaobing, chair of China Telecom, was suspected of having “severely violated disciplines.”

The commission did not provide any details on Chang’s possible infractions, but the vague term typically means corruption.

Chang formerly was the chairman of China Unicom, another major state-owned telecommunications company. He was named the head of China Telecom in August.

Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the anti-graft campaign after he took office in early 2013. The drive has since expanded, with Xi warning that prevalent corruption threatens the party’s rule.

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