Chinese governor's U.S. trip comes amid rumours surrounding his sister
Reports that Beijing consents to tour by former premier's son are meant to distance him from speculation: analyst
Shanxi governor Li Xiaopeng - the son of former Chinese premier Li Peng - is visiting the United States "with the consent of central government", official media have reported.
The Shanxi Daily said that governor Li - who was the president of state-owned power company China Huaneng before taking his Shanxi role in 2008 - began a five-day trip to Idaho and Wyoming on Monday.
The news follows much speculation involving Li Xiaopeng's sister.
On the mainland, governors and ministers must have plans for overseas business trips approved by the foreign affairs office of the Communist Party's headquarters.
Zhang Lifan, a Beijing-based political commentator, said the report may have been aimed at showing that Li Xiaopeng was not affected by speculation surrounding his sister, Li Xiaolin. "By mentioning that [Li's visit was approved by the central government] on purpose, the report certainly meant to show that Li is doing fine at the moment," said Zhang.
Last week, news that Li Xiaolin would not be on the management team of the newly formed State Power Investment Group - a merger between State Nuclear Power Technology and China Power Investment, which she once led - surprised many people, particularly since the Li family was seen as highly influential in the power sector.