On September 21, the official announcement from the Chinese Communist Party revealed that Xi Jinping would visit the United States from September 23 to 25. At this time, Shen Dong, the author of “Red Roulette,” suddenly published a lengthy article titled “My Understanding of Ling Gu: A ‘Traffic Accident’ that Changed China’s Political Situation.”
Shen Dong, born in 1968, is a former wealthy businessman in China who once served as a member of the Beijing Municipal Political Consultative Conference. His ex-wife is the Chinese female tycoon Duan Weihong, who has close ties to the family of former Premier Wen Jiabao. Shen Dong now resides in the UK, and he is best known as the author of the internationally bestselling book “Red Roulette,” which reveals the intricate connections between top political power and commercial wealth in China.
On March 18, 2012, Ling Gu, the only son of Ling Jihua, the director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, died in a car accident in Beijing. Shen Dong disclosed that this incident and its aftermath had a significant impact on the political situation in China at that time and played a decisive role in Xi Jinping later consolidating power.
According to Shen Dong, his interactions with Ling Gu began around 2010, introduced by Ling Gu’s mother, Gu Liping. Ling Gu, who was studying as a postgraduate student at Peking University at the time, had aspirations to enter politics and was already planning and networking for his future. He aimed to form a close circle of like-minded second-generation officials and business successors to support each other in their career paths.
Shen Dong revealed that Ling Gu had the capabilities to plan career paths for his young friends in their twenties, promoting them to higher official positions. Shen Dong admired Ling Gu for his abilities to maneuver in the political landscape, saying, “It’s easier when you have someone inside the system!”
Ling Gu had a fondness for sports cars, and he occasionally borrowed vehicles from Shen Dong, who owned cars such as Ferrari and Lamborghini. Ling Gu and a wealthy friend started a fund and sought advice from Shen Dong, who was already involved in private equity funds. They had meals together at Xinrongji near Guomao Bridge.
Around a week before the accident, Ling Gu mentioned at a meal that a new Ferrari had been arranged for him, parked in the basement parking lot. Shen Dong had planned to bring his own car for a race at the Beijing Wandong Circuit, but Ling Gu’s accident near Beifusi Bridge caught him by surprise.
In his article, Shen Dong pointed out that Ling Jihua’s son’s “traffic accident” and its subsequent developments had a tremendous impact on the Chinese political landscape, specifically during the leadership transition around the 18th Party Congress. He detailed intrigues involving top leaders and factions within the party, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes power struggles.
Regarding the elder statesmen led by Jiang Zemin who later criticized Hu Jintao, Shen Dong’s account provides a more detailed insider version of the events within political circles. Shen Dong’s analysis highlights the evolving power dynamics and personal rivalries that shaped the Chinese political landscape, ultimately leading to Xi Jinping’s rise to power and the purging of potential rivals.
The revelations made by Shen Dong regarding Ling Gu’s story have drawn comparisons to historical political intrigues, like the son of Lin Biao during the Mao era. These narratives contribute to a better understanding of the intricate power struggles and personal ambitions that have shaped Chinese politics over the years.
In conclusion, the personal experiences and insights shared by Shen Dong provide valuable perspectives on the inner workings of Chinese politics and the power struggles among the country’s top leadership. These stories offer a glimpse into the complex dynamics that have defined the Chinese political landscape and influenced its trajectory under different leaders.