In brief: China starts inquiry into head of state-owned companies

Beijing – Authorities announced today an investigation into the head of a commission that oversees China’s state-owned companies, in the country’s latest high-profile corruption case.

The Ministry of Supervision said Jiang Jiemin, director of the Cabinet’s Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, is being investigated over suspected serious disciplinary violations. The vague term is often shorthand in official Chinese announcements for allegations of corruption.

Prime Minister Rudd makes final pitch for re-election

Canberra, Australia – Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has made his final major campaign pitch to revive his Labor Party’s chances at elections this week, promising tax breaks for small businesses and more work for local contractors on infrastructure projects if his government is re-elected.

Rudd officially launched his center-left party’s campaign in his hometown of Brisbane today. It is the capital of Queensland, a battleground state for swing seats that will decide the election Sept. 7.

Rudd – who was dumped as prime minister by his own government colleagues in 2010, only to regain the top job in a similar leadership wrangle in June – dismissed opinion polls that show opposition leader Tony Abbott’s conservative coalition is headed for a clear victory.

Among election promises announced today, Rudd said a Labor government would increase tax deductions that 3.2 million small businesses could claim on equipment investment. The pledge would cost the government $178 million over four year in lost tax revenue.

While polls show Rudd remains a more popular choice of leader than Abbott, Labor’s popularity lags that of the opposition coalition.