Like him or not, Bo Xilai has yet again become the hottest political rising star, with intense jockeying for power in the run-up to the next leadership succession already under way.
The gang-busting Chongqing party boss has proved himself a maverick politician who easily stands out among his peers. Indeed, his use of the populist card is rare in the context of the Communist Party's 90-year history, especially after the founding of the People's Republic, analysts say.
Apart from good looks, he has pedigree credentials, a sizeable track record and smooth rhetoric. And most enviably of all, he knows how to use modern electronic media to his advantage and speaks reasonably good English.
Basking in the media limelight, he enjoyed near-celebrity status during the annual legislative session early this month with his charming smiles and charisma, despite controversies surrounding the anti-mafia crackdown.
Destined for political stardom, the former commerce minister and Liaoning governor seems to have almost everything he needs to match his ambition for a seat at the top leadership, according to analysts.
'He is making the most of his asset,' Dr Steve Tsang, a China expert at Oxford University, said.
'I suppose he feels he is in a position to use his solid achievements to support his more flamboyant style in backing up his claim for Politburo Standing Committee membership at the next Party Congress [in 2012].'