Chinese police have offered a reward of 50,000 yuan for information leading to the arrest of a former senior Yunnan provincial government official.

The Ministry of Public Security has also issued a class A warrant for the arrest Hu Xing, 59, who is wanted in connection with a "serious economic crime".

The ministry would give no further details on the crime or the investigation.

Hu was vice general director of the Transport Department of Yunnan. He previously served as vice mayor of Kunming, capital of Yunan Province.

Hu disappeared in January while the provincial public security authorities were investigating the crime, in which he is suspected of involvement, according to the warrant.

His responsibilities in the provincial government had focused on roads and transportation, a local newspaper said. He was in charge of city planning and construction during his term as vice mayor of Kunming.

A class A arrest warrant is issued for suspects wanted in connection with the most serious crimes.

(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2007)