Li Keqiang not asked about Zhou Yongkang case, after reporters warned
Premier Li Keqiang was not asked about the graft investigation into former security tsar Zhou Yongkang after reporters were warned against raising the subject.
Premier Li Keqiang was not asked about the graft investigation into former security tsar Zhou Yongkang after reporters were warned against raising the subject.
Reporters were told they would be blacklisted and be unable to ask questions at future events if they asked the premier about Zhou.
We will show zero tolerance for corrupt officials or behaviour
Journalists, mostly from overseas media organisations, said officials had given the warning before the premier's annual press conference began. They said officials had told them it was still "too early" to broach the topic.
"We were told questions on economic issues and reform would raise the chance of being called [upon]," one reporter said. Most of the 15 questions asked yesterday dealt with foreign affairs and economic reform.
The premier touched on the issue of graft when asked whether the large number of investigations launched under the new leadership had exposed a flaw in Communist Party rule.
"We will show zero tolerance for corrupt officials or behaviour. No matter whom it is or how senior their position, any official who violates party discipline and law will be severely dealt with and punished to the full extent of the law," Li replied.
