Then China's Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang reacts as he attends the Hebei delegation discussion sessions at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing in this October 16, 2007 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

BEIJING - The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has decided to place former security chief Zhou Yongkang under investigation for suspected "serious disciplinary violation" in what could be China's biggest graft case in history.

Top officials probed since 1978

Zhou's associates under probe

The investigation will be conducted by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the watchdog commission said in a short statement released on Tuesday night. The statement added that the decision was made in accordance with the CPC Constitution and investigation regulations, without providing details.

The news sparked frenzy on the Internet as the announcement on Tuesday ended months of speculation over Zhou's fate after dozens of his associates came under investigation.

The breaking news post on Sina Weibo by Xinhua news agency at 6 pm was almost immediately forwarded 25,521 times and received 14,297 likes within a little more than two hours. A similar China Central Television's post on Sina Weibo, the social networking site, received 20,247 likes during the same time.

In fact the news was hardly a surprise. Party leader and President Xi Jinping took office in 2012 with a vow to target both low-level officials and "Big Tigers" in a movement to cleanse the Party of corruption and boost its credibility.

By investigating Zhou, who once managed China's vast security network, Xi has demonstrated his commitment to seek out corrupt officials within the highest ranks of government.

Zhou, 71, became a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party in 2002 and was on its nine-member Standing Committee from 2007 to the time of his retirement in November 2012. He is believed to be the most senior party figure ever to face a formal investigation.

From 1988 to 1998, Zhou was a member of the leadership of the China National Petroleum and Natural Gas Corporation. He was Minister of Land and Resources from 1998 to 1999.

A native of Wuxi, Jiangsu province, Zhou became Secretary of the Sichuan Provincial Party Committee in 2002.

STREET TALK "While combating lawbreakers, the government should also develop the perfect mechanism to prevent such cases and better implement regulation. The 'big tiger' has been seized. It is a great warning to others who might be overstepping the line." Xu Qing, 29, software designer in Guangzhou "This is a crucial move in China's anti-corruption campaign. High-ranking officials who break the law and ignore the Party's principles to serve the public should be punished. Zhou's case is now under investigation, which proves the top policymakers' determination." Zhao Dong, 34, freelance at a news magazine in Sichuan "China had a well-known judge, Bao Zheng, in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). He stood by his principles and never gave way to power and wealth. I've seen many people in modern society praise the central government, as Bao was, for its great determination to fight corruption. This gives the public confidence and enhances trust in the government." Li Sulan, 52, primary school teacher in Yunnan