Instead, the US decided eventually to hand him over to Chinese authorities in Beijing, turning down his request that he be granted asylum.
Wang declined to hand over the documents about Bo to the US officials, but embarked on long rants about corruption.
If US officials have hitherto been coy about the incident, it is hardly surprising. Washington has enough trouble handling its relationship with China without becoming embroiled in the Bo-Heywood affair.
Wang presented himself at the consulate just one week before a long-scheduled and delicate visit to the US by the likely future leader of China, Xi Jinping.
- Independent