China denies vice premier has died

BEIJING, May 9 (Reuters) The Chinese government denied today media reports that Vice Premier Huang Ju has died.

''It is our understanding that news regarding comrade Huang Ju's death is totally unfounded,'' an official with the cabinet spokesman's office said by telephone.

Earlier, Hong Kong's Phoenix Television reported that Huang, 68, had died after a battle with cancer.

REUTERS SKB VV1724