The former president of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle
Technology has been investigated for corruption by judicial
departments, the China Times quoted an anonymous academy
source as saying yesterday.
Li Jianzhong, 68, who was also chairman of the Long March Launch
Vehicle Technology Co Ltd, is alleged to have been linked with
corruption involving more than 2 million yuan (US$240,000), a
vice-president of the academy told the Beijing-based newspaper.
The academy was responsible for research involving the Shenzhou
V spacecraft that sent China's first astronaut, Yang Liwei, into
space in 2003. Preparations are currently being made for the launch
of the Shenzhou VI spacecraft.
The vice-president said that the alleged bribe-taking involved
Li alone, had no bearing on funds for scientific research and did
not affect the quality of the Shenzhou V spacecraft.
"Li's case will not have an impact on ongoing research?on
Shenzhou VI," he told the newspaper.
Li led his academy to success with the Long March Series of
rockets after he took up his post in 1991.
(China Daily April 13, 2005)