BEIJING — China is calling the scandal surrounding disgraced politician Bo Xilai a profound lesson for the ruling Communist Party as delegates gathered for a key leadership congress.
Congress spokesman Cai Mingzhao told a news conference Wednesday on the eve of the congress' opening that the party's handling of Bo's case underlines the leadership's resolve to uphold integrity and prosecute corruption no matter how high ranking the culprits.
Bo had been one of China's highest-profile politicians and a candidate for higher office when he fell from grace amid a scandal over his wife's involvement in the murder of a British businessman.
Bo dropped from view and in September was expelled from the party and sent for prosecution on charges including corruption and interference in his wife's case.
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