Ling Jihua, 58, a senior CPC (Communist Party of China) official and national political adviser, is under investigation for "suspected serious disciplinary violations".

"Serious disciplinary violations" usually implies corruption in China.

The Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection announced the investigation in a brief statement on Monday. It gave no other details.

Born in Shanxi province, Ling is vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee.

Between 2007 and 2012, Ling served as head of the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Since the new leadership was elected in November 2012, China has been engaged in an ever-widening campaign against corrupt officials.

They include the "flies", lower-level officials involv-ed in minor acts of corruption, and "tigers", high-ranking officials embroiled in bribery or embezzlement involving large sums.