Family of Chinese PM has hidden fortune: NYT

BEIJING (AFP) - Relatives of China's reformist premier have amassed huge riches during his tenure, according to a report today that came as the Communist Party strives to clean house before a pivotal handover of power.

The New York Times report about the family of Wen Jiabao, who will be replaced in a 10-yearly leadership transition next month, coincided with an announcement clearing the way for the prosecution of disgraced leader Bo Xilai.

Beijing immediately dismissed the report as an attempt to tarnish China, with foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei telling reporters in response to a question on the article: "Some reports smear China and have ulterior motives."

After a detailed investigation, the newspaper said that many relatives of the government's number two - a self-styled man of the people known popularly as "Grandpa Wen" - had become "extraordinarily wealthy" during his time in office.