China needs clarification on a massive leak of documents from a Panamanian law firm that revealed the offshore financial arrangements of some of the world's rich and powerful, including family members of China's top leaders, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday. The Foreign Ministry has denounced accusations arising from the release of the so-called "Panama Papers" as groundless after their leak this week revealed offshore companies linked to the relatives of Chinese President Xi Jinping and other powerful current and former Chinese leaders.
Wang's comments, made at a joint press briefing with the visiting German foreign minister, makes him the most senior Chinese official to acknowledge the matter. The ministry has repeatedly said it will not comment when asked if Beijing would investigate. "We have noted that the Panama side is making some explanations and clarifications. I'm afraid we first must get clarity and understand what it's really about," Wang said. Panama's government has said it will form an independent commission to review the country's financial practices and work with other countries over the leak. Wang did not elaborate on the documents or say if China was in touch with the Panama government about them. He said China's anti-corruption fight would continue.
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