Chinese Communist Party officials say the minister of industry and information technology has been placed under investigation for suspected violations of party discipline and laws.

The party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said on Thursday that Xiao Yaqing is under scrutiny. It did not reveal details of the allegations.

Xiao entered the political world after serving as general manager of a state-owned major aluminum producer. He assumed the ministerial post in 2020.

Experts say sitting Chinese ministers are rarely placed under investigation. Officials are believed to face a higher likelihood of indictment once they are probed for suspected discipline violations.

President Xi Jinping's administration has been pushing an anti-corruption drive since its inauguration.

Analysts say it is working to tighten discipline among Communist Party officials in the run-up to the party's congress later this year, when Xi is expected to seek a third term as party leader. The congress is held once every five years.