Nanjing, China, mayor fired; focus of party probe

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BEIJING (AP) — Chinese state media say the mayor of the major eastern city of Nanjing has been fired, in the latest high-profile case in a national crackdown of corruption.

The official Xinhua News Agency said Saturday that Ji Jianye, also a deputy party chief of Nanjing, was dismissed from his leadership positions on suspicion of serious violations of party discipline.

Xinhua offers no details, but the vague charge usually means corrupt acts such as taking bribes, embezzlement and abuse of power.

The dismissal came two days after the party's corruption watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, revealed that Ji was placed under internal investigation.

Ji has been known as "Mayor Bulldozer" for his strong penchant for large-scale capital projects in Nanjing, a provincial capital city of 8 million people.