How to build a Chinese leader

So if you can't find one, make one.

Bo Xilai is the committee secretary for Chongqing municipality. He's also the son of Bo Yibo, one of China's revered 8 immortals, who are China's most esteemed revolutionaries – essentially they are the godfathers of the CCP.

He's had a glittering career. He's held senior posts in Liaoning province and Dalian city, both of which boomed under his stewardship, even more so than most other growth centres.

Recently, Bo Xilai has done an admirable job of weeding out Chongqing's entrenched elements of organized crime and he's done so in the public eye. As the New York Times described it, it involved: "more than 9,000 suspects, 50 public officials, a petulant billionaire and criminal organizations that dabbled in drug trafficking, illegal mining, and random acts of savagery."

And unlike many officials, Bo has been happy to pose for the cameras and make comments on the importance of morality.

He has, it would seem, to have learned a few things from Western politicians.

All of which is undoubtedly a fine achievement. Given that it happened at lightning pace after Bo took the helm as Committee Secretary in Chongqing, much of the credit can be laid at his feet.

It would indeed be a fine achievement, were it not for a few nagging doubts, the most prominent of which was named Li Zhuang (although he was wise enough to avoid mentioning names, instead sticking to procedural discrepancies which is most probably why the recent charges were dropped).

Indeed, the legal fraternity throughout China has been watching the case in silent fear, knowing that a similar fate could befall them in the event that they mistakenly defend someone that has been marked as a stepping stone for career advancement.

They may also be taking note of the fact that while he was the government of Liaoning province, allegations of torture at the hands of police increased dramatically.

Or they may be considering the fact that at that same time, a journalist came into possession of a document detailing widespread corruption throughout Liaoning province, including one official who was making payments to 29 different mistresses.

To Bo's credit, the documents didn't list him as one of those who was corrupt, however he was covering the tracks of friends and relatives who were.