26 big China state firms to be probed this year

Beijing

CHINA'S top anti-corruption watchdog has targeted 26 of the biggest state-owned firms - including telecoms, energy and manufacturing conglomerates - for inaugural inspections this year. The visits will kick off immediately after the lunar new year holidays, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said in a notice late on Monday. The lunar new year begins next week.

Designated conglomerates include China Telecom Group Co; China National Petroleum Corp, or PetroChina; China National Offshore Oil Corp; and China National Nuclear Corp. "We need to sharpen the 'Sword of Damocles' hanging above those in power and use inspections to keep them in awe," the statement quoted watchdog head Wang Qishan as saying.