The central party leadership's decision to expel Bo Xilai on Tuesday night was a calculated move to stanch speculation about discord among the party's closed and secretive leadership and ensure a smooth transition of power in the months ahead, analysts say.
The decision indicated that the party's liberal wing had gained the upper hand over conservatives, the analysts say. Some suggest it might herald a new period of political reform in the one party-ruled nation.
'This is important indeed,' said Steve Tsang, professor of contemporary Chinese studies and director of the China Policy Institute at the University of Nottingham in Britain, of the decision to oust Bo from the 25-member ruling politburo and the Central Committee of the Communist Party.
Joseph Cheng Yu-shek, professor of political science at City University of Hong Kong, said the swift decision aimed to put an end to persistent rumours and speculation that the party leadership was grappling with one of its worst scandals in years just months before the party congress.
'Certainly, it was not acceptable to allow this situation to continue for too long as it would damage domestic and international perceptions of the leadership transition at the 18th national congress of the party,' Cheng said.
Tsang agreed that the leadership's move was directed at ending speculation over the Bo case, as the leadership had appeared divided over how to deal with the controversial Chongqing party chief. 'This is the most important implication for me,' Tsang said.
Above all, the leadership is eager to achieve political stability and present an image of consensus in the run-up to the crucial party congress this autumn and the once-in-a-decade power transition. President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao and many of the Politburo and nine-man Standing Committee will retire.