(Beijing) — A controversial plan to save a state-owned steelmaker is in doubt after the plan's main architect was detained on suspicion of corruption.

Tianjin Mayor Huang Xingguo's removal from office and detention on suspicion of corruption deals another blow to Beijing's efforts to downsize a bloated sector dominated by local interests.

The northern city of Tianjin had announced a new plan on Sept. 11 to help the locally based Bohai Steel restructure its debt, worth more than 192 billion yuan ($28.8 billion) owned to 105 Chinese and foreign banks and other financial institutions.