China punishes 122 officials over substandard subway cables

China's State Council has vowed to strictly punish those responsible for problematic subway cables in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Earlier this year, a story posted online claimed subway Line 3 in Xi'an used substandard cables and posed safety risks.

An investigation team has found that the company involved in the case has severely violated the law by producing and selling substandard products, while some individuals and institutions were found to have colluded in the purchase and use of those cables, according to an official statement.

Related local government departments have been found to be at fault for a lack of supervision and negligence of duty, and some officials have violated the discipline on integrity, the statement said.

Eight suspects from the cable manufacturer will be arrested, while 122 government officials responsible will be held accountable, according to the statement.

All authentication certificates of the cable manufacturer will be revoked. The company's business license and production permit will also be rescinded.

Projects involved should be checked thoroughly for risks while all substandard cables should be removed and replaced as soon as possible, the statement said.

In the meantime, the Shaanxi Provincial government should prepare a written statement reflecting on the issue to the State Council.

Officials should learn from the lesson and strengthen supervision on product quality, the statement said.