China opens investigation into vice public security minister

BEIJING – China says it has placed a vice minister of public security under investigation for serious violations of laws and regulations.

No details were given in the one-sentence announcement Friday about Li Dongsheng, who was placed under investigation by the ruling Communist Party's disciplinary body. However, the charge usually relates to corruption and abuse of power.

Li, 58, has a number of other titles, including vice director of the office responsible for the brutal crackdown on the Falun Gong spiritual movement.

The announcement comes amid persistent rumors of an investigation into former security czar Zhou Yongkang because of his close association with disgraced politician Bo Xilai.

It also follows the establishment of a national security committee strengthening President Xi Jinping's control over the military, intelligence bodies and police.