born july chinese politician came prominence mayor governor november served minister commerce served member secretary communist_party branch september found guilty corruption stripped assets sentenced life imprisonment son elders chinese politics cultivated casual charismatic image media marked departure normally nature chinese politics serving held important niche northeast area plan initiated campaign organized crime increased spending welfare programs maintained consistent double digit percentage growth campaigned revive cultural revolution era red culture promotion values achievements model champion chinese new left composed social democrats disillusioned country market based economic reforms increasing economic inequality perceived anti corruption campaigns coupled concerns image cultivated controversial figure considered likely candidate promotion elite 18th political fortunes came abrupt end following incident lieutenant police chief sought asylum american claimed information involvement wife murder british businessman allegedly close financial ties fallout removed party chief march suspended following month dismissal exposed communist_party ranks shortly leadership transition observers suspected threatened future grip power later stripped party positions lost seat eventually expelled party early life fourth child second son prominent communist_party leader great eminent officials served minister finance early years fell favor supporting open trade relations west cultural revolution began labeled posts spent ensuing years prison reportedly tortured wife abducted beaten death committed suicide seventeen years old cultural revolution began time attended prestigious high school beijing best country early years cultural revolution reported active member organization point denounced father political winds cultural revolution shifted siblings imprisoned sent countryside locked years death members gang officially blamed chaos cultural revolution father released politically vice premier release worked hardware repair factory beijing second light industry bureau admitted public examination unlike contemporaries chinese leadership studied engineering world history second year studies enlisted master program international journalism graduating master degree joined communist_party october early political career 1980s family regained political influence served vice premier vice chairman elder came known elders referred communist_party instrumental implementation market reforms 1980s favored liberal economic policies elder politically conservative endorsed use military force square protests crackdown helped ensure ascent succeed leader party helped consolidate power 1990s remained prominent figure party death influential shaping son career graduating university assigned headquarters communist_party worked research office soon requested transfer provinces appointed deputy party secretary modern day interview said family created career obstacles long time people reservations said subsequently deputy secretary secretary party committee secretary committee rising rank party member city decision making body vice mayor deputy party secretary mayor mayor acting mayor formally assumed post remained mayor served deputy party secretary promoted party chief served position tenure marked city phenomenal transformation port city modern metropolis showcase china rapid economic growth early 1990s took credit construction china controlled access freeway winning accolades rapid expansion infrastructure environmental work time office known cities china having won honour award addition advocate free enterprise small businesses successfully courted foreign investment south_korea japan western countries contrast colleagues held press conferences chinese new year developed reputation foreign investors getting things spent seventeen years city lengthy term comparison colleagues rank transferred different careers despite accompanying economic growth rise living standards tenure criticized having focused aesthetic development projects expansive monuments large public parks way large scale projects administration moved large numbers local residents downtown areas new homes city outskirts dubbed grass remote control mayor office city main square addition spearheaded construction city post mayor based success making hong_kong north suggested independent outspoken post post went instead 15th party congress 15th party congress family launched unsuccessful campaign secure promotion member generally china ambitions son known advanced idea revolutionary elders nominate children high officials selected family representative older brother ostensibly superior academic credentials included attendance elite master degree order secure selection promotion 15th party congress family launched nationwide campaign son achievements mayor commissioned author pen report portraying man statesman like environmentally conscious beloved public princess diana despite publicity campaign failed gain seat provincial delegation ultimately helped gain seat delegation younger unable secure promotion addition placed second confirmation vote membership 15th placed candidates denied entry elite council suffering major political embarrassment failure elected attributed general opposition party tenure caused resentment special coastal city expense rest province perceived partisan interests locked struggle china central leadership figures created obstacles promotion provincial governor corruption scandal involving governor provided opportunity advancement prior 15th party congress assisted party general secretary preparing force political rival retirement family supported stresses campaign intended strengthen ideological conviction promote internal unity communist_party campaign generally seen observers universally embraced inside party leadership support said worked favour vacancy governor opened acting governor dismissal arrest officially confirmed governor position governor held gained membership communist_party tenure played critical role promotion adopted party authorities policy aimed strengthen economic development provinces particularly enthusiastic policy stating desire northeast china fourth economic engine northeast time known cradle china industrial output twice northeast left amidst market reforms 1980s 1990s provinces south coasts prospered economy largely tied state owned enterprises relative regions high unemployment rates plan aimed address reviving region traditional industries strengthening trade ties encouraging investment south_korea japan experimenting free trade zones select cities official media reported foreign direct investment nearly doubled launch northeastern strategy established reputation comparatively clean politician governor immune corruption allegations particular subject critical investigative reports journalist corruption case scandal benefited politically directly involved scandal accused providing political cover friends relatives initially sentenced years prison charges criticized released years international pressure chief executive fled united_states getting embroiled dispute state property authorities accused interfering judicial proceedings beijing addition openly clashed party secretary technically superior reportedly criticized developing china cities like europe countryside like africa held party celebrate departure citing allegations organ harvesting practitioners governor suggested involvement way building political power wrote report organ harvesting accused playing role separately practitioners abroad filed lawsuits alleging torture crimes humanity spanish court indicted officials genocide 16th party congress 16th party congress age regional patronage links fit profile potential candidate 5th generation leaders assume power chief competitors seen party chief populist candidate governor 15th party congress years earlier elder lobbied son promotion family enjoyed patronage support strengthened reluctance political opponents support nomination ultimately remained contender higher promotion remained main candidates succeed paramount leader minister commerce succeeded general secretary late career local official ended appointment cabinet replace retired health reasons earned seat 16th stint minister commerce significantly raised international profile generated media attention china abroad described good looking articulate open minded approach problems rise municipal official central government generated great media fanfare elevated status political star political persona considered departure generally conservative leadership beijing youthful purported popularity female reporters political rise compared presided continued rise foreign investment china minister commerce daily schedule dominated receiving foreign guests dignitaries time minister spoke relatively fluent english meeting american officials told struggling interpreter stop translating chinese officials understand english time ministers hand picked accompany premier country trip europe trade policy united_states china sparked significant controversy maintained attitude attended talks washington trips united_states conducted substantive discussions american counterparts signed agreements intellectual property services sector agricultural products food safety consumer protection oversaw restructuring ministry formed amalgamation sought balance attention given foreign investors domestic commercial institutions began retail sector success point largely dependent foreign companies drew plans protect chinese industries competitive position domestic market quickly crowded foreign competition 17th party congress 17th party congress october gained seat member effectively china ruling council tipped leave party chief predecessor political rival reassigned party chief time problems air water pollution unemployment poor public health complications according analysts wanted transfer ally problems intensified initially reluctant reportedly unhappy new assignment hoped vice premier instead premier vice premier argued promotion vice particular critical penchant self promotion cited international lawsuits adherents barrier holding higher office took post november month following conclusion congress vacated position november whilst saw transfer central government perceived arrogance high profile antics beijing view considered promotion party chief direct controlled municipalities came seat model initially unhappy soon resolved use new position staging ground return higher national office secret desire enter member 18th party congress autumn members including president premier expected retire transition opportunity join highest national leadership likely replacement ally secretary serving head party security apparatus pioneered new style governance dubbed model set social economic policies intended address diverse challenges facing modern china following economic reforms model characterized increased state control promotion neo leftist ideology police chief launched sweeping campaign organized crime increased security police presence city critics noted policies accompanied erosion rule law allegations surfaced political personal rivals amidst anti corruption drive means addressing declining public morality launched red culture movement promote era socialist ethics economic actively courted foreign investment model characterized massive public works programs housing poor social policies intended easier rural citizens city benefits urban status compared governing style russian president model provided alternate development diverged policies preferred national leadership seen favouring reform leadership dramatically raised profile nationally internationally named world influential people time observers noted china non electoral political system high profile presence bold political maneuvers essentially amounted public election campaign leadership drew country leaders president premier reluctant acknowledge publicly ostensibly discomfort leadership style organized crime tenure dominated protracted war organized crime corruption known striking black estimated people arrested sweeping campaign criminals businessmen members police force judges government officials political adversaries campaign overseen police chief worked previously prominent figures implicated trials prominent municipal official days party chiefs executive deputy commissioner police force years tried convicted crimes sentenced death sensational headline grabbing trial contrary popular perception time campaign perceived penchant self promotion china observer suggested large scale crackdown received approval central authorities including careful let appear trying set example rest country benefit success politically campaign earned national recognition widespread popularity city historical reputation center criminal activity contrast orthodox politicians gained reputation party boss got things apparent success earned rock star status resulted calls replicate campaign nationwide scale campaign gained support number powerful members including visited praised achievements campaign criticized running judicial process rule law individuals targeted campaign detained authorities estimated sent forced labor lawyers accused intimidated harassed case sentenced months prison allegations surfaced use torture extract confessions assets seized campaign allegedly help pay popular social housing programs wall_street_journal reported billion went government campaign fugitive businessman asserted target anti corruption drive result land dispute government refused government demands land claims abducted tortured million worth assets business seized red culture movement time initiated series style campaigns revive red culture improve public morale initiative included promotion quotes red songs revolutionary television programming operas initiatives encourage students work countryside akin way students required movement city initiated campaign demanded district government department commercial enterprise educational institution state radio stations begin singing red songs praising achievements communist_party pledged city ideals reminiscent era prior 60th anniversary celebrations instance sent red text messages city million users according text messages usually quotes include phrases like chairman puts world work responsibility seriousness conquer world members represent qualities team municipal administrators erected new statues providing social security apartments city scholars characterized example revival chinese communist reactions red culture movement divided revival era culture accompanying social welfare programs popular middle lower income strata society star conventional neo won praise returning city called china true socialist heritage emphasizing material wealth evoked nostalgia social existed time particularly inspired said wanted pass revolutionary spirit children participated means praise communist_party country economic progress campaign detractors intellectuals criticized campaign akin drowned red sea bringing painful memories cultural revolution mid level officials city committed suicide overwhelming pressure organize events red songs campaign critics referred little social policies cornerstone model involved series social policies aimed gap rich poor ease rural urban divide promoted notion pursuing red economic model communist suggested economic development analogous cake primary task divide cake fairly building larger cake end city reportedly spent billion public apartment complexes use recent college graduates workers low income residents cities selected run pilot projects intended rural urban divide ease integration rural residents cities china registration system citizens classified rural urban distinction determines live affected educational opportunities health benefits taxation property rights effectively making second class citizens million residents held urban project easier rural residents obtain urban status policy intended help balance inequality enable government develop rural land leadership established land exchanges rural villages earn credits farmland approach social policy demonstrated november taxi strikes saw taxi drivers streets days protests high fees competition rising fuel costs similar protests china frequently suppressed official media blaming labor unrest criminal government instead held televised dialogues protesters citizens agreed allow formation trade union handling situation earned praise comparatively restrained progressive leader economic policies major component model concerned city economic policies pursued foreign investment city lowering corporate income tax rates compared national average sought stimulate rapid carried policies initiated predecessors focused domestic consumption export led growth tenure reported annual growth far exceeding national average instance nationwide growth reported reported year foreign trade rose bank loans model economic growth won national international praise seamlessly combining foreign investment state led growth critics called model red infrastructure housing public works projects drain city budget civil servants complained getting salaries time received high share billion money beijing political rivals predecessor suggested economic figures rigged artificially inflated unnecessary construction public works projects leadership style campaigns earned popular support especially city poor leadership style described ruthless arrogant subordinates city officials academics journalists professionals new_york_times wrote possessed charisma deep intelligence qualities offset studied indifference wrecked lives path power stood system absence formal rules ensures strongest advance placed demands government officials city requiring available work day night seven days week reportedly called subordinates late night meetings publicly criticized disagreed hit failed meet demands according psychologist quoted daily_telegraph assumed power depression burn risen officials officials largest share patients seeking city late popular investigative television aired critical story anti crime drive expressing concern apparent disregard legal process response utilized connections host temporarily banned producer moved program opposed initiatives met retribution defense lawyer beijing sentenced half years prison later reduced months attempting defend high profile targets crackdown scholar said lot people scared including supposed power base alleged operations efforts fight crime maintain social political stability initiated major electronic surveillance operation police chief served architect state funded project described official media comprehensive package system covering telecommunications internet system involved monitoring internet communications designed help expert known pivotal role construction china great according new_york_times operations target local criminals communications chinese leaders including general secretary president source connected chinese leadership said tried monitor nearly central leaders visited order better understand thought august phone anti corruption official found orders revelations operation resulted intense scrutiny discipline inspection said distrust played role falling police chief allegedly began use methods operations believed contributed downfall death november british citizen found dead hotel room time local authorities declared died alcohol consumption family noted heavy official cause death months later revelations emerged death homicide implicated served linking western companies powerful chinese politicians long time associate family reportedly shared close personal relationship wife helped couple son earn admission england allegedly served family helping large sums money overseas october reportedly business dispute wife demanded higher commission services dispute escalated ultimately threatening reveal family business dealings overseas assets estimated total excess million allegedly poisoned assistant convicted murder receive suspended death sentence august downfall incident early party bolstered presence city leaders came investigation attention focused police chief investigation role corruption case growing scrutiny city operation senior leaders likely fell mainly details scarce sources suggested resentment grew amidst investigations resentment compounded realized wife targets orders details death reportedly attempted voice concerns alleged poisoning january believed confronted evidence implicated wife murder initially agreed allow inquiry changed course sought investigations abruptly demoted february far prestigious position vice mayor overseeing education science environmental affairs placed surveillance close associates reportedly taken custody reports plotting assassinated february apparently fearing life traveled nearby city bringing evidence family murder according reports sought denied asylum united_states remained approximately hours leaving taken custody state security officials dispatched beijing local media announced mental health related sick leave day leave overseas chinese language news websites posted open letter allegedly penned sharply criticized greatest gangster china accused corruption knowing material held supporters china leadership reluctant responded unusually open press conference acknowledging supervision subordinates saying relied wrong person removal posts march dismissed party chief related municipal posts temporarily retaining seat potentially destructive effects dismissal party unity party elders consulted matter decision reportedly meeting march security cast lone vote march premier premier annual press conference called achievements significant result multiple numerous allusions damage wrought cultural revolution indirect efforts revive red culture addressing high level political changes premier open public forum unprecedented political observers believe remarks downfall represented consensus central leadership needed shoulder responsibility scandal represented political triumph liberal reformer wing communist_party april suspended party pending investigation disciplinary violations wife prime suspect inquiry death british businessman announcements carrying criminal implications served death political career september adopted decision expel party decision ratified session november accused major disciplinary violations corruption charges tenure including relation case october expelled deputy national legislature removing final public post setting stage trial ejected communist_party official announcement mentioned maintained improper sexual relations multiple women rumors spread affair star actress tiger significant legal bills attempting sue sources trial admitted fallen wife affair 1990s prompting united_kingdom near son public reactions downfall strong reactions chinese public commentators political spectrum leftist websites angry commentary dismissal websites shut period maintenance shortly leftist commentators voiced support called dismissal plot enemies state said cultural revolution campaign pro censored large numbers sympathetic posts appeared mayor wrote sympathetic editorial liberal media reacted positively criticizing style personality based rule dangerous right leaning commentators said downfall correct orientation china future development editor remarked correctly identified china problems prescribed wrong solution assets seized administration reacted positively dismissal caused political unseen square protests exposing internal conflicts communist_party weeks following march party authorities case absence official reports proceedings flood speculation including rumours coup response authorities instructed newspapers websites strictly report official releases arrested people accused aware potentially divisive impact authorities carefully controlled media coverage removal office state media reported loyalty party decision disgrace including statements new party authorities beijing municipal organs party members rallying party line party issued page editorial calling unity correct decision military held political education sessions short notice stressing unity loyalty party leadership downfall affected ally reportedly relinquished operational control chinese security institutions lost right influence succeed 18th party congress trial july chinese prosecution authorities charged abuse power corruption paving way trial build trial prominent leftist supporter detained police urged people protest trial verdict sentence brought close political scandals history communist china concluded downfall largely set motion wife murder british businessman followed aide information murder case power transition days trial prominent forensic scientist vice director supreme_court resigned positions publicly questioned forensic evidence trial wife defense counsel beijing based corporate law firm deep political connections state wall_street_journal article law firm role trial described acting facilitated relatives prosecutors negotiation outcome acceptable sides run trial help ensure trial goes according plan august intermediate people court heard case proceedings trial relayed real time court official account journalists covering trial needed belong pre approved list charged receiving million million businessmen denied trial testified gave wife million buy villa france paid son travel credit card bills cross examined denied knowledge payments trial concluded august september court found guilty counts including accepting bribes abuses power stripped personal assets sentenced life imprisonment long trial november citizen activist established supports communist_party rule criticizes failing uphold constitution elected party chairman life chinese attempts million villa cannes bought held ongoing aftermath epilogue jailed aftermath events set incident continued chinese political landscape accession power resulted series major political changes significant consequences supporter retired caught anti corruption detained investigation eventually sentenced life prison addition unable select successor office possibly result role scandal head headed longer held seat following 18th party congress number seats body reduced seven anti corruption campaign following 18th party congress biggest kind history china communist rule branded media outlets outside china called new gang composed officials chief ideological rival party chief went vice premier holding agriculture commerce poverty reduction seen foremost critic leadership suffered significant public embarrassment new_york_times article family vast empire wealth release coincided closely dismissal mayor long seen ally continued political career basically unscathed sentenced years prison corruption abuse power political alignment course career considerable patronage communist_party leader associated faction referred generally known favor model emphasizes free trade economic development coastal regions export led growth coalition composed largely children high ranking party leaders business people leaders coastal cities members shanghai contrast populist coalition advocated balanced economic development improvements china social safety net populist faction comprised rural leaders socialist intellectuals leaders rose prominence connections initially identified time minister commerce tenure interior city adopted number populist policies typically associated conservative left implemented social housing programs gave residency status associated social welfare benefits rural workers emphasized need balanced distribution wealth pursued technology capital business opportunities spearheaded large number government programs help working class groups campaigns corruption allegedly seized assets private turn allegedly funds personal wealth publicly state projects welfare programs effectively asserting state control wealth sought promote red culture mandated revival era songs memories romantic conservative left painful liberal right chinese politics policies ultimately prominent figure neo representative conservative wing communist_party favor market economics return era policies seen advocate strong role state peoples lives anti corruption campaign particular earned reputation heavy authoritarian methods crime punishment policies opposition liberal reform oriented faction particularly premier party chief favored strengthening rule law continuation political reform observers verbal future direction development marked increasing chinese politics leftist reformer camps family wife daughter secretary september son following year son graduated columbia_university insisted son change surname following divorce reportedly low key modest commonly associated father political obtained master degree media studies worked years worked law firm beijing eventually went private equity remarked publicly father arrest destroyed life released statement feed revealing father prison medical treatment available need wrote life short law allows like come think times seen courtroom prison married second wife prominent lawyer founder law firm beijing said overcome trying childhood nationwide strife worked way regarded lawyer prominent politician wife father communist revolutionary mother descendant renowned song dynasty chancellor poet convicted murder british businessman dispute money escalated threatened son life sentenced death year typically life imprisonment drew criticism party high profile media attention family pedigree interests wife law firm denied wife position saying wife retired legal practice couple lived 1990s said basically stays home claimed served mayor regularly accepting gifts bribes property developers seeking access party officials seeking government appointments speculation attempted interfere corruption investigation wife prior incident son better known attended united_kingdom later admitted oxford started studying degree philosophy politics economics went study public administration harvard high profile privileged lifestyle including luxury cars frequent social events provided tabloid fodder chinese language media father repeatedly denied allegations playboy prince portrayed claiming got modest attended social events asked afford son tuition fees estimated annual salary replied son received scholarships respective institutions assertion questioned sources reported family associate pulled strings accepted shortly involved eldest brother vice chairman executive director hong_kong listed listed pseudonym company declined confirm
Bo Xilai