Experts appointed to investigate the Wenzhou train disaster could compromise the findings in the eyes of the public, it was claimed yesterday.
At least half are closely linked to the Ministry of Railways or are from a company that provides key technological support to the rail line where the accident took place.
The July 23 bullet train crash that killed at least 40 people has dealt a body blow to the nation's high-speed-rail development.
The government has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and punish those responsible.
The inquiry findings will be released next month, with many hoping they will bring about much-needed reform of the Ministry of Railways.
But analysts following the issue yesterday said they were disappointed with the make-up of the inquiry team - and particularly that of the expert panel. Of the eight members, at least four could be alleged to have a conflict of interest.