Chairman of China Telecom probed for corruption
Updated: 2015-12-28 07:26
By MA SI(China Daily)
|
|||||||||
Chang Xiaobing, Chairman of China Telecommunications Corp. [Photo/IC] |
Chang Xiaobing, the chairman of China Telecommunications Corp, the country's third-largest telecom carrier, is under investigation for suspected serious disciplinary violations-often a reference to corruption-related crimes.
He is the highest-ranking official from the telecom sector to date to be investigated under the anti-graft campaign.
Chang's investigation was announced on Sunday by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the top anti-graft watchdog.
He took the helm of the State-owned company in August after heading China United Network Communications Group, the country's second-largest carrier, for 11 years.
Experts said the investigation of Chang has much to do with his tenure at China Unicom, where he masterminded the company's efforts to develop third-generation communication networks.
In November last year, two senior executives from China Unicom were investigated for suspected violations of laws and regulations.
Xiang Ligang, founder of the telecom industry website cctime.com, saidthe investigation of Chang will have a limited impact on China Telecom's business.
"Chang arrived at China Telecom in August and has hardly announced any company strategies and concrete plans yet. So his case will not affect the company's efforts to roll out 4G networks," he said, adding that China Telecom's "stable" internal systems can keep daily operations in order.
The investigation comes amid rising market speculation about a possible merger between China Telecom and China Unicom, which are joining hands to compete against China Mobile Communications Corp, the country's largest carrier by subscribers.
Earlier this month, China Telecom and China Unicom called for the standardization of smartphone technologies shortly after signing a deal in October to jointly construct 4G base stations and share 4G resources.
Fu Liang, a freelance industry expert, said the Chang probe will push China Unicom and China Telecom toward deeper cooperation. "No matter who the new head of China Telecom is, he or she will want to have broader cooperation with China Unicom. This is the only way for the two players to win over China Mobile."
As of November, China Mobile had built more than 1 million 4G base stations and had about 267 million 4G users-more than China Telecom and China Unicom combined.
- More aid from China set for Syria
- Japanese journalist reportedly being held in Syria
- New York City has warmest Christmas Eve on record
- One dead as fight leads to fatal shooting at North Carolina mall
- Trump's lead bodes well for Hillary Clinton's presidential bid
- Spanish Socialist leader insists no support for Rajoy
- China's top scientific achievements in 2015
- Yearend 2015: A picture and its story
- Christmas celebrated across the world
- HK car show kicks off during Christmas season
- 10 major economic policies that will make a difference on lives
- Santa Claus is busy in China
- Yearend 2015: Heartstopping images captured by daredevils
- Girl becomes youngest Master of Memory
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
8 highlights about V-day Parade |
Glimpses of Tibet: Plateaus, people and faith |
Chinese entrepreneurs remain optimistic despite economic downfall |
50th anniversary of Tibet autonomous region |
Tianjin explosions: Deaths, destruction and bravery |
Cinemas enjoy strong first half |
Today's Top News
Shooting rampage at US social services agency leaves 14 dead
Chinese bargain hunters are changing the retail game
Chinese president arrives in Turkey for G20 summit
Islamic State claims responsibility for Paris attacks
Obama, Netanyahu at White House seek to mend US-Israel ties
China, not Canada, is top US trade partner
Tu first Chinese to win Nobel Prize in Medicine
Huntsman says Sino-US relationship needs common goals
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |