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Li Family Could Face Scrutiny in China Anti-Corruption Drive


Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, left, and President Barack Obama spar during a presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, Oct. 16, 2012.
Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, left, and President Barack Obama spar during a presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, Oct. 16, 2012.

Former Chinese Premier Li Peng's family may come under more scrutiny this year when Beijing's anti-corruption commission turns its focus to state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

The commission recently said it will inspect 26 national SOEs this year as part of President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign.

The investigations are very likely to include China Power International Development, which is headed by Li Xiaolin, daughter of Li Peng. Many recent anti-corruption actions have involved companies related the former premier's family.

Dai Qing, an independent analyst in Beijing, told VOA's Mandarin service that while Li Xiaolin's well-known taste for expensive clothes has helped make herself a high-profile target, it is unclear how the investigation will play out.

“The media always focuses on the most dramatic part. She pushed herself to that position, so the media did little to get the dramatic results. If she could keep a low-profile, the media would have to make a great effort to dig it out. So far, it is hard to say whether the senior officials are targeting the Li family," she said.

Li's name made international news recently when it was disclosed through leaks that she and her husband deposited nearly $2.5 million in Swiss bank accounts between 2006 and 2007.

Previous anti-corruption cases in China have targeted former security chief Zhou Yongkang and his associates.

This report was produced in collaboration with the VOA Mandarin service.

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