BO Xilai No Show Thursday, Despite Presence Wednesday

choi

(1) Peter Simpson, No Show for High-Flying Chinese Politician Suggests End of Career. Daily Telegraph, Mar 8, 2012.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ ... -end-of-career.html


Quote:

"Popular Chongqing city boss Bo Xilai was the only member of the ruling Politburo who was a no show during an important meeting at the ongoing National People's Congress, NPC, in Beijing. During a speech, the state-run TV station showed the leaders listening intently but cutaway before reaching Mr Bo's empty chair [which is next to those of the other members of Politburo].

"What is certain is that such no-shows at the NPC are highly unusual – more so as Mr Bo had attended the session as usual on Wednesday.

"his [Bo's] career and invincibility appear to be fast unravelling.

(2) Jeremy Page, Conspicuous Absence, Detention Add to Chinese Political Drama. China Real Time. Mar 8, 2012.
http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealti ... se-political-drama/

Quote:

"A Chongqing government spokesman declined to comment on Mr Zhang[ Mingyu’s] detention, and played down the significance of Mr Bo’s unusual absence Thursday morning’s meeting of the National People’s Congress

"The Chongqing officials said Mr Bo would definitely attend a meeting of the Chongqing delegation, and a press conference, on Friday morning – which could be the first time Mr. Bo faces direct questioning in public about the scandal surrounding him.

"Among the critics of Mr Bo’s policies in Chongqing is Mr Zhang, who has been quoted as saying he was forced to give up his property business to an ally of Mr Bo. Mr Zhang had a voice recording of Mr. Wang, the former Chongqing police chief, warning him not repeat those allegations, according to his lawyer, Pu Zhiqiang.

"The Chongqing government has confirmed that Shui Zhengkuan, a former member of Chongqing’s Party Standing Committee, died on Saturday at the age of 72, but local officials have declined to say what the cause of death was.