County Party chief attempts suicide

HONG'AN, Hubei - The Party chief of a county in Hubei province tried to end his life on Wednesday, the latest in a string of suicide attempts in recent years by Chinese officials, who are believed to be under tremendous work pressure.

Xiong Liangxiao, 47, Party chief of Hong'an county, which falls under the jurisdiction of the city of Huanggang, slashed his wrist with a blade while driving to the city, said Huanggang's municipal government on Friday.

Xiong, who was rushed to the local hospital immediately, survived the suicide attempt and his condition is stable, the government said.