China's trial of a century: Cracks in the monolith?

It has all the hallmarks of a crime potboiler: murder, money and intrigue; a court case that's shed unwanted light on the inner machinations of China's Communist Party leadership. After only seven hours in court, officials say Gu Kailai, the wife of the deposed political leader Bo Xilai, along with an accomplice, had all but confessed to poisoning a British businessman. There is no verdict as yet but the case is a massive embarrassment for the Communist Party.

DEBATE

Jean-Paul TCHANG, Economist and financier / China specialist;
Emmanuel LINCOT, Chair, Contemporary China Studies (Catholic University of Paris);
Ola WONG, Journalist & Writer;
Fabienne CLÉROT, Research Fellow, IRIS think tank.
Watch the second part

Programme prepared and produced by Wassim Nasr, Sara Bertilsson and Mary Colombel

Presenter

François Picard

10/02/2011 - THE DEBATE

Making babies: are we playing God?

As France reviews its bioethics legislation, news of the birth of the country’s first "saviour sibling" sparks condemnation from the Catholic Church. François Picard’s panel argues over the distinction between helping parents start a family and the fear of designer babies.

(1) comment

09/02/2011 - THE DEBATE

French politicians caught out (part two)

French politicians suddenly find themselves caught out in a whole new way by change in the Arab world. Be it the foreign minister in Tunisia or the Prime Minister in Egypt, both enjoyed free rides and perks during their Christmas vacations.

09/02/2011 - THE DEBATE

French politicians caught out

08/02/2011 - THE DEBATE

Egypt: What's the deal? (part 2)

After weekend exploratory talks that included the Muslim Brotherhood, many feel Egyptian authorities have succeeded in their bid to buy more time. François Picard's panel argues the next move of a leaderless movement.