The political scene in China has been full of drama recently that I'm sure the leaders in Beijing would much rather avoid, especially before the leadership transition later this year. Most Americans probably don't try to follow Chinese politics at all and are likely completely ignorant of the political scandal going on in China. While its difficult to find detailed and reliable information about what's really going on and I certainly don't claim to have any greater knowledge than anyone else reading the current Internet news, but for anyone interested here's some minimal background:
Bo Xilai (薄熙来) was until recently, the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) Secretary of Chongqing Municipality. Prior to his recent problems and fall from grace, he had become one of the most powerful politicians in China and seemed likely to become one of the 9 members of China's Standing Committee later this year.
One major reason for Bo Xilai's popularity among many Chinese was his promise to reduce the gap between China's relatively small (but extremely powerful) newly rich segment of the population and the rest of China's still largely poor population. Bo became known for cracking down on organized crime and corruption in Chongqing and urged a return to more egalitarian communist-style leadership. However, he was also criticized for heavy handed tactics such as torture a bit reminiscent of the Cultural Revolution era. This may have led to Bo's ostracism by China's top leaders, Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao in addition to his overtly public image which markedly contrasts with most of China's current top leaders. Ironically, Bo is also alleged to have been involved in large-scale corruption (which he became famous for cracking down on in Chongqing).
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| Bo Xilai and wife implicated in murder of British businessman? |
My guess is that we'll never know the full story of Bo Xilai, his wife and Neil Heywood. Whatever semi-accurate version of the events do eventually come to light would make for a great political thriller/murder mystery novel although it would be guaranteed to be banned in China.
For some information on the Bo Xilai controversy, here are some links to recent news articles (and a Google search can provide many more):
- Washington Post - China's Bo Xilai Removed From Party Posts; Wife Accused in Briton's Death
- Forbes - Making Sense of Bo Xilai's Earthquake
- Business Week - Bo Xilai's Fall Complicates China's Leadership Transition
- Xinhua - Police Reinvestigate Death of Neil Heywood According to Law
- CNN - Bo Xilai's Ouster Offers Clues About China's Secret Leadership Splits
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