The South China Morning Post (February 11) disclosed that the Chinese Communist Party had on February 10 expelled former Shanghai police chief Gong Daoan, setting the stage for him to stand trial. Gong Daoan, who was also formerly a Vice Mayor, was accused by the Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) of “having abandoned his ideals and convictions, had attempted to build cliques within the Party, which caused serious harm to and had bad influences on the political environment.” It said, “Gong was found to have abused his powers and sought benefit for others in the appointment of officials, business operation and construction project contracting, and engaged in profit-generating activities against regulations.” The announcement added that Gong’s case was especially serious as the 56-year-old former top police officer remained unrepentant despite repeated calls by the leadership since 2012. It also ordered the confiscation of his “illegal gains”.

(Comment: Shanghai has long been regarded as former Chinese President Jiang Zemin's political base. Gong Daoan is a central-level Vice Minister rank leader.)