Top Shanghai official probed for 'severe disciplinary violations'

Shanghai

A DIRECTOR of China's first free trade zone (FTZ) in Shanghai has been put under investigation for "severe disciplinary violations", Communist Party authorities said on Tuesday, using a phrase which typically refers to corruption.

In a statement on its website, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection - the ruling party's corruption watchdog - gave no further details of the case involving Ai Baojun, 55, who is also a vice-mayor of the Chinese commercial hub.

Mr Ai holds the title of director of the Shanghai FTZ, according to his official biography. He has been one of several Shanghai vice-mayors since 2007, holding the portfolio for development…