China Declines to Comment on Bo Xilai’s Son’s Marriage to Taiwanese Individual
China refused to provide any comments on Nov 27 regarding the marriage of the son of jailed former leader Bo Xilai to a Taiwanese individual, stating only that they oppose any “malicious” speculation surrounding the issue.
Sensitive Nature of the Topic
Public discussion of Bo Xilai is considered taboo in China, especially since he was once seen as a potential top leader but was sentenced to life in prison in 2013. The sensitivity surrounding his son’s marriage is further exacerbated by the strained relations between China and Taiwan.
When asked about the wedding during a regular news briefing in Beijing, Mr. Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, declined to comment, stating that the government is against any attempts to sensationalize the issue.
Pressed for more details about Bo Xilai’s son, Bo Guagua, Mr. Chen reiterated that he had nothing further to add regarding “that marriage.”
Background on Bo Xilai
Bo Xilai was convicted of corruption and abuse of power, leading to his dramatic downfall, which was linked to the murder of British businessman Neil Heywood. Bo Xilai’s wife was also found guilty of Mr. Heywood’s murder and is currently imprisoned in China.
Last week, Taiwan’s government confirmed that Bo Guagua had visited the island following his marriage to a Taiwanese citizen, despite China’s claims of sovereignty over Taiwan, which Taipei rejects.
Reuters was unable to verify the identity of Bo Guagua’s spouse.
While the news conference on Nov 27 was broadcast live online by state media, the official transcript omitted any mention of the question regarding Bo Guagua.
Conclusion
The refusal of China to comment on Bo Xilai’s son’s marriage to a Taiwanese individual underscores the sensitive nature of the issue and the strained relations between China and Taiwan. The lack of transparency surrounding the matter only adds to the intrigue surrounding the once-prominent political family’s fall from grace.
FAQs
1. Why is the marriage of Bo Xilai’s son considered a sensitive topic?
The marriage of Bo Xilai’s son is a sensitive topic due to the political implications and the tainted reputation of the family following Bo Xilai’s conviction for corruption and abuse of power. Additionally, the strained relations between China and Taiwan further complicate the matter.
2. Has Bo Guagua’s spouse been identified?
As of now, the identity of Bo Guagua’s spouse has not been confirmed, as Reuters was unable to verify the information.