New leaders appointed in Chongqing

China’s Communist Party has filled the hole left in Bo Xilai’s Chongqing stronghold with one of the party’s rising leaders, Sun Zhengcai, The Wall Street Journal reported. The 49-year-old was appointed Chongqing party chief, Xinhua News Agency said. Political analysts are carefully observing the next generation for insight into which officials will be heading to the top. Crackdowns on organized crime and financial injections to support of the poor had made Bo hugely popular in the southwestern city, where he served as party secretary until a scandal involving the murder of a British businessman erupted earlier this year. Sun will take over a region where support is still strong for Bo and widespread organized crime prevails. More appointments are likely to be made over the next few weeks, with potential leaders of the next generation expected to be put into similar high-profile positions.