Investigation into former security chief 'will take time'

The investigation into Zhou Yongkang, China's former security chief, will take some time, and the central government is committed to publicizing the result in a timely manner, a senior official said on Wednesday.

Zhou, 71, is by far the highest-profile figure caught up in President Xi Jinping's crackdown on corruption and the highest-ranked official placed under investigation since the nation's reform and opening-up began in 1978.

Zhang Sujun, vice-minister of justice, said at a media briefing that the investigation is still in the hands of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection - the top anti-graft watchdog - and it will take some time to publicize the decision.