Investigations into suspects who had connections with Xu Caihou - the former No 2 military official who died of cancer this month while facing a corruption probe - will continue to the end, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

The remarks from ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng dispel suspicions that the death of Xu might hinder investigation into the sprawling wrongdoings centered around him and others.

Xu, the former vice-chairman of the People's Liberation Army who was placed under investigation for allegedly accepting massive bribes, died of bladder cancer on March 15. Media reports said authorities found a ton of bank notes in Xu's home.