-- LEAVING WITHOUT PERMISSION

On Feb 2, 2012, Wang Lijun's work division as Chongqing's vice mayor was adjusted and he no longer served concurrently as chief of the municipality's Public Security Bureau.

Moreover, in early February, three staff members working closely with Wang were put under illegal investigation. Wang felt he was in danger, giving rise to his idea to defect.

On Feb 6, under the pretext of discussing business, Wang canceled his original work arrangements and entered the US Consulate General in Chengdu at 2:31 pm without permission.

Relevant organs in Chongqing confirmed that during that time, neither the Chongqing municipal Party committee nor the government needed a vice mayor to go to Chengdu to participate in any official activity. The municipality also did not need or arrange for a vice mayor, including Wang, to go to the US Consulate General in Chengdu to engage in foreign trade issues or diplomatic issues.

According to the indictment of the Chengdu People's Procuratorate, after briefly discussing issues concerning environmental protection, education and science and technology with diplomats inside the US consulate, Wang immediately claimed that his personal security was threatened because of his investigation of criminal cases. He asked the United Statesto provide shelter for him and filled out an application for political asylum.

Wang left the US Consulate General in Chengdu of his own volition at 11:35 pm on Feb 7 through the persuasion and advice of relevant organs of Chongqing Municipality and central authorities. He said he would cooperate with investigations.