Probe into Rio case expanding

Tainted executives at Chinese steel companies are the next target, analysts said yesterday, as prosecutors continued investigating the case involving the world's second-largest mining group, Rio Tinto, and its Chinese negotiators.

Vice-Minister of Commerce Fu Ziying pledged yesterday that the case will be fair and in accordance with Chinese law.

The Chinese Iron & Steel Association, which represents the nation's steel companies, voiced support for further investigation.