Condoleezza Rice Says Bo Xilai Scandal Raises ‘Big Question’ About China

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice recently said that the Wang Lijun - Bo Xilai scandal in China raises questions about the strength of the rule of law in the country in the context of its authoritarian political system.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice gestures while delivering a speech at the National Auditorium in Mexico City on September 9, 2011. Condoleezza Rice recently said that the Wang Lijun - Bo Xilai scandal in China raises questions about the strength of the rule of law in the country in the context of its authoritarian political system. Yuri Cortez/AFP/Getty Images

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that the recent scandal in China—the ouster of former Chongqing Party chief Bo Xilai, the attempted defection of his lieutenant Wang Lijun, and the ongoing political repercussions—raise questions about the strength of the rule of law in the country in the context of its authoritarian political system.

Rice made her remarks at the Heritage Foundation in Washington on April 13 after a speech about American exceptionalism, in response to a question by Voice of America.