BBC News, 26
October 2012
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| Wen Jiabao, China's premier for almost 10 years, is portrayed as a popular figure with concern for the public |
The New
York Times says access to its website is being blocked inside China after it
published an investigation into wealth accumulated by relatives of Chinese
Premier Wen Jiabao.
The
newspaper said its Chinese-language site was blocked first, followed by its
English-language site.
References
to the report also appear to be blocked on micro-blogging sites.
In its
report, the paper said Mr Wen's family members "have controlled assets
worth at least $2.7bn (£1.7bn)".
"Many
relatives of Wen Jiabao, including his son, daughter, younger brother and
brother-in-law, have become extraordinarily wealthy during his
leadership," the newspaper wrote.
"In
many cases, the names of the relatives have been hidden behind layers of
partnerships and investment vehicles involving friends, work colleagues and
business partners."
The
newspaper said both the Chinese government and Mr Wen's relatives declined to
comment on the investigation, which was based on corporate records from
1992-2012.
No holdings
were found in Mr Wen's name, it said, nor was it possible "to determine
from the documents whether he recused himself from any decisions that might
have affected his relatives' holdings, or whether they received preferential
treatment on investments".
China is
sensitive about reports on its leaders, particularly when it comes to their
wealth. A growing wealth gap is causing public discontent, as are the frequent
corruption scandals involving government officials.
When, in
June 2012, a Bloomberg investigative report examined the finances of the
relatives of president-in-waiting Xi Jinping, the company's website was blocked
in China - even though the report said there was no indication of wrongdoing by
him or his family.
Mr Wen has
been the Chinese premier for almost 10 years. He is due to step down in a power
transition that begins on 8 November.
He is seen
as a popular figure with the common touch, and is portrayed in state media as a
leader with great concern for the lives of ordinary people.
A spokeswoman
for New York Times said she hoped that full access to the websites would be
"restored shortly" in China.
 |
Winston Wen
or Wen Yunsong, the
only son of Wen Jiabao. (Internet photo)
|
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