Daily Lessons from Life 22 August 2013 - Bo Xilai trial: Bo mounts feisty defence, says he was framed

"Bo Xilai trial: Bo mounts feisty defence, says he was framed - Reuters Aug 22, 2013 JINAN - Fallen politician Bo Xilai put up a feisty defence on Thursday as he faced China's most political trial in decades, saying he was framed in one of the bribery charges against him and had admitted to it against his will during interrogation. The 64-year-old former Communist Party chief of the southwestern city of Chongqing has been charged with illegally taking almost 27 million yuan (S$5.6 million), corruption and abuse of power and will almost certainly be found guilty. But Bo's colourful denial of one of the charges and strong language as he made his first public appearance since being ousted early last year suggests he will not allow the trial to proceed as scripted by China's political masters. President Xi Jinping is seeking unstinted support from the Communist Party as he seeks to push reforms that will rebalance the economy, and will want Bo's trial to be finished quickly and with a minimum of fuss. Bo's downfall has pitted supporters of his Maoist-themed egalitarian social programmes against the capitalist-leaning economic road taken by the leadership in Beijing, exposing divisions within the ruling party as well as Chinese society. His trial in the eastern city of Jinan marks the culmination of China's biggest political scandal since the 1976 downfall of the Gang of Four at the end of the Cultural Revolution." I am surprised he was allowed to speak unlike his wife's trial where she basically just admitted guilt though some skeptics even said that 'she' did not looked like 'Bo's wife'! Lessons for me are: 1. a chance to witness how politician is try in PRC. Uniquely PRC for sure. Of course the China watchers will tell you that EVERYTHING has been sealed up behind the scene. This is purely for show only. Even a bait to see how many of Bo's supporters will risk their necks to speak up for their leader and friend!; 2. how much can we learn from his 'speaking out' and if this will change i.e. will he be shut out and not allowed to speak out in court the next day? It is highly unlikely that he will be allowed to say things that are too controversial and inciting internal hatred and division among the CCP member and the people. The people are just as curious to find out what exactly is this trial about; 3. how much support does Bo still has to rock the boat and bring deep division among the CCP and the people of China? I think very little for now since money talks and supporters can 'be moved and walk'! Just a side show for us. Though the many in PRC will be analysing and learning HOW not to end up in Bo's position where he has ALMOST everything and now he has NOTHING!