Unless the security services know exactly what was discussed by Wang Lijun inside the US consulate in Chengdu, and the contents of any documents or data he gave the US, Bo Xilai may find it impossible to gain promotion to the PBSC. And even if they do, his career is likely over.

We know the CCP is paranoid about “foreign forces and plots”, so how could it promote someone who best case may be easily embarrassed by its greatest strategic rival, worst case is susceptible to blackmail?

Wang probably knew he was a dead man and decided to ensure Bo went down with him, and he understood that delivering incriminating and/or embarrassing material to the US would ensure that Bo’s political ascendancy was over, regardless of attempts at damage control and jockeying.

Given Bo’s prominence and family background, we should not expect him to be arrested, or for any sudden moves made against him. More likely there is some meaningless title in his future, and business difficulties ahead for his wife and children.

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