Sinopec, Asia's biggest refiner, on the 26th March urged Beijing to crack down on corrupt foreign business practices in China in a call that came amid increasing controversy over the operations of some multinationals in the country.

Foreign businesses in China are coming under heavy scrutiny as a result of the bribery and commercial secrets trial of four employees of Rio Tinto, the Anglo-Australian miner, with a verdict expected on Monday.

Foreign businessmen in China often complain privately that they cannot compete against Chinese rivals effectively without paying bribes, which are common practice in Chinese business culture. But Sinopec pointed the finger at foreign companies instead, saying in a statement: "We urge and hope that the government will encourage a normal market environment and good business conduct by working to severely punish audacious challenges from multinational companies and lawbreaking businesspeople."