THE trial has begun in the northern Chinese city of Jinan of a former member of the ruling Politburo, Bo Xilai. Mr Bo has been accused of corruption and abuse of power while serving in the provinces, most recently as leader of the south-western region of Chongqing. His case is the most sensitive involving a senior Chinese official since the televised show-trial of the Gang of Four in 1980 and 1981. Why is it so important for China’s new leaders?
