Premier Wen Jiabao warned Monday the biggest danger facing China's Communist Party was corruption, as it struggles to contain the biggest political scandal to hit the country in years.
In a speech published in the top Communist Party periodical "Qiushi," Wen pledged to use his last year in power to attack rampant corruption in the ruling party and curb the unbridled powers of top leaders.
Wen's comments come after charismatic leader Bo Xilai was sacked as head of Chongqing city and dismissed from the powerful Politburo while his wife was named a suspect in the alleged murder of British businessman Neil Heywood.
The revelations, most announced last week, have shocked the nation and are seen as the biggest political scandal to strike China in years.
"We must deeply recognise that the biggest danger facing the ruling party is corruption," Wen said in the speech that was read at an anti-graft cabinet meeting on March 26 but only published Monday.
"If this problem is not resolved well, then the nature of political power can change and 'those who hold political power may perish'."
The speech played prominently in China's tightly-controlled media and mirrored numerous editorials that have urged the public to rally behind the party following the news of Bo's suspension from the Politburo and the investigation into his wife Gu Kailai for murder.
Xinhua news agency said last week Gu had been on good terms with Heywood, but fell out over economic interests, leading to the alleged November 15 murder.
The ruling party -- apparently nervous that the repercussions of the case will shatter its carefully crafted appearance of unity -- has tried to put a positive spin on the scandal.
"Recently, the central government decided to start an investigation into serious disciplinary violations by Comrade Bo Xilai," the Chongqing Daily said in a Monday commentary. More >>
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