China's trial of the century is not following the political script that was widely predicted. On Day One, former Communist Party honcho Bo Xilai vigorously defended himself, and claimed his bribery confessions had been coerced. It's a crucial event for new Party Chief, Xi Jinping, against a background of public outrage over corruption and demands to restore the era of Mao Tse Dung. Will a trial that dramatizes graft and economic inequality lead to reform? Will it make any difference in China's relations with the US and the rest of the world?
Is China's Communist Party Putting Itself on Trial?
Credits
Guests:
- Adam Minter - author of the book “"Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale." - @AdamMinter
- Jacques deLisle - University of Pennsylvania - @PennCEAS
- Phelim Kine - Human Rights Watch - @PhelimKine
- Kenneth Lieberthal - Brookings Institution - @BrookingsFP