Chen Liangyu

A last entry from the book 中共政局全破译, 极目 编著, 新文化图书有限公司, 2007.

On disgraced former Shanghai leader Chen Liangyu (陈良宇, pictured center), the author described Chen as 作风霸道，生活糜烂, or “arrogant in manners, and decadent in lifestyle.”

During the period when Chen was detained for his misdemeanors, Chen imagined that he would only be given a light punishment by the Party. But when more evidence against him surfaced, he reportedly went on a hunger strike and cursed current Shanghai mayor Han Zheng (韩正) for having “sold out Shanghai”. But how Han had done so was not explained.

When Chen felt that his time was up (大势已去), he attempted three suicides. His son was reportedly deported to China and Chen tried to help his son obtain a lighter punishment, even though again, how his son was involved and how and whether a lighter punishment was obtained was not explained.

When Chen was handed over to the judiciary departments, he was said to have become “totally disillusioned” (彻底绝望), and loudly cursed Jiang Zemin and Zeng Qinghong.

He claimed that if his son’s life cannot be protected (保不住), the lives of Jiang and Zeng’s sons will also be at stake. (休想保得了)

The author added that what Jiang and Zeng had done had made his supporters 泄气心寒 (demoralized and disappointed) and made them reconsider their loyalties to Jiang and Zeng.

On those who had stepped down after the 16th Communist Party Congress, the author had the following assessment.

Wu Guanzheng (吴官正) – “shown good performance during the five years and had emerged as an important pillar for Hu Jintao. The role he had played in the 16th Politburo Standing Committee (PSC) was secondary only to those played by Wen Jiabao and Zeng Qinghong. The five years of success in tackling corruption is inextricably linked to him. He had accomplished a major act by attacking the “old nest” of the “Shanghai clique” and overturning Chen Liangyu and his cronies. As compared to Wei Jianxing (尉健行) under the 15th PSC, his performance was much more outstanding.”

Luo Gan (罗干) – “Even though he was Li Peng’s (李鹏) follower for over a decade, he was a person that all parties found acceptable. During the five years of the PSC, he firmly supported Hu Jintao and did massive work on political and legal reforms, especially in improving public order and reforming the judiciary.”

Zeng Peiyan (曾培炎) – “His position was obtained through Jiang. Before he was elected as vice-premier in 2003 he was involved in a car accident. During his 5 years as vice-premier, his performance was rather average” (似乎平淡). He is an expert in economics.

Huang Ju (黄菊) – “When he died before the 17th Party Congress, the following accolades were bestowed on him (优秀的党员, 杰出领导人, and 忠诚的共产主义战士 or “outstanding party member, outstanding leader, and a loyal warrior for communism”.). These accolades were inappropriate. In Shanghai, he assisted Jiang Zemin and Zhu Rongji. And when he joined the State Council he seemed to be able to do only one thing – read from prepared text. Jiang pushed him (as well as Jia Qinglin) to the pinnacle of power. This was a major mistake (一大失误) which is against the Party and the people (有违党心民心). His wife, younger brother and secretary were all involved in corruption, and he could hardly escape the connections. The only thing is that he has passed away so there will be no further investigations.”