Report on propaganda chief Liu Qibao released

A report about the recent official activities of Liu Qibao, the new propaganda chief whose conspicuous absence from the limelight for nine days has sparked intense speculation among overseas media and pundits, was released yesterday by Xinhua.

Some online postings on mainland chatrooms and overseas media reports say his mother has died while others allege he was implicated in the downfall of the Sichuan vice-party boss Li Chuncheng, Liu's former subordinate when he was Sichuan party boss.

Xinhua reported last night that Liu had made visits to the office of foreign propaganda, which is more commonly known as the Information Office of the State Council, and the cultural ministry, recently. The report did not specify when the visits were made, but its release last night was apparently aimed at dismissing rumours about him.

Meanwhile, another figure under close scrutiny by overseas media in recent days, Gu Liping, wife of the United Front minister Ling Jihua, also appeared in public recently. The website of Youth Business China carried a photo of Gu with her colleagues on Wednesday, saying she is leading the team to make plans for the non-governmental organisation for next year.

There were intense rumours online recently alleging Gu was being investigated for corruption. Ling, a top aide of the retiring leader Hu Jintao , suffered a severe setback in his political career after his son died in a controversial Ferrari crash in March.

Meanwhile, CCTV last night carried a lengthy report about Hu's visit to a historical site from the Communist revolution recently, his first publicised activity since he handed over power last month.