Power struggle in China to begin
An apparent dismissal of Chongqing chief Bo Xilai.China's communist
party announced Bo's removal on Thursday from his post
as the party's Chongqing Municipal Committee Secretary. Vice Premier
Zhang Dejiang will replace him.Bo is charged with negligence of duty in
supervising his
close aide at the time, former vice mayor Wang Lijun, who is under
investigation by authorities.Wang fled to the US Consulate in Chengdu,
near Chongqing, last month, but was rejected for asylum by the US.
Chongqing television reported on Thursday night that Li Yuanchao, the head of the organization department of the party's central committee, criticized Bo and praised his successor Zhang. It quoted Li as saying that Bo's actions has caused serious problems.Citizens in Chongqing expressed differing reactions, with some supporting Bo and others pushing for his removal.
Security authorities in Chongqing appear to be nervous over the media's attention to the matter.
Bo was supposed to be a member of an intra-party faction backing Vice President Xi Jinping, who is most likely to become China's top leader at the party convention later this year. Before the convention, observers say political maneuvering is expected to intensify between the pro-Bo faction and one composed of officials from the Communist Youth League -- the current President Hu Jintao's power base.
Chongqing television reported on Thursday night that Li Yuanchao, the head of the organization department of the party's central committee, criticized Bo and praised his successor Zhang. It quoted Li as saying that Bo's actions has caused serious problems.Citizens in Chongqing expressed differing reactions, with some supporting Bo and others pushing for his removal.
Security authorities in Chongqing appear to be nervous over the media's attention to the matter.
Bo was supposed to be a member of an intra-party faction backing Vice President Xi Jinping, who is most likely to become China's top leader at the party convention later this year. Before the convention, observers say political maneuvering is expected to intensify between the pro-Bo faction and one composed of officials from the Communist Youth League -- the current President Hu Jintao's power base.
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