Wall Street Journal (August 22)
Bo Xilai, the former political powerhouse of Chonqing, is approaching trial. He has already “undermined three core claims of the Communist Party. First, that the national leadership is unified. Second, that the process of selecting the next generation of leaders is institutionalized. And finally that open struggle for power like that seen during the 1966-76 Cultural Revolution can never happen again.”
Economist (March 17)
“Late this year, the world’s two biggest powers will each choose their leaders. The way America does it looks messy and inefficient. China’s bureaucratic method, by contrast, is designed to provide a smooth transition and a continuity of policy.” The Chinese process can be “vicious,” though it’s typically hidden from the public. “The sacking on March 15th of Bo Xilai as party chief of the south-western region of Chongqing provided a rare glimpse…. Mr Bo had seemed destined for the zenith of power in China…. His downfall represents the biggest public rift in China’s leadership for two decades.”“Late this year, the world’s two biggest powers will each choose their leaders. The way America does it looks messy and inefficient. China’s bureaucratic method, by contrast, is designed to provide a smooth transition and a continuity of policy.” The Chinese process can be “vicious,” though it’s typically hidden from the public. “The sacking on March 15th of Bo Xilai as party chief of the south-western region of Chongqing provided a rare glimpse…. Mr Bo had seemed destined for the zenith of power in China…. His downfall represents the biggest public rift in China’s leadership for two decades.”
Tags: Bo Xilai, China, Leadership, Rift, Selection process, Smooth, U.S.
