Chinese police chief may be seeking asylum
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The former police chief of a major Chinese city has disappeared from sight amid rumours he is seeking US asylum following a quarrel with one of China's most powerful local politicians.
Wang Lijun, whose crusade against crime gangs inspired a TV drama, has taken leave to recover from "overwork", the city government of Chongqing said.
Mr Wang stepped down from his job last week, prompting speculation of a fallout with the city's Communist Party secretary, Bo Xilai, who is believed to be seeking national office.
The police chief may have fallen out of favour because his crackdown on criminal gangs strayed from standard procedures and clashed with the central government's campaign to strengthen the rule of law, analysts said. There is speculation that Mr Wang sought asylum at the US consulate in Chengdu after quarrelling with Mr Bo.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments