Xiao Jianhua, a Chinese billionaire, has reportedly been kidnapped from a Hong Kong hotel by Chinese security forces. As in other such incidents, confusion surrounding Xiao's disappearance has been compounded by statements, allegedly by him, that he went voluntarily to the Chinese mainland. This case is another indication of the erosion of Hong Kong'a autonomy, the disrespect the Beijing government has for its international commitments and the lengths to which it will go in pursuit of its perceived national and political interests.
Xiao is one of China's richest men, with a net worth of just under $6 billion. He began his business career selling personal computers while a student at Peking University. He parlayed close connections with the political elite attending the school into a thriving business. Xiao is often referred to as a "bagman": someone who helps arrange the business deals of important and powerful people and uses those associations to build their own wealth.
Xiao was very good at what he did — the size of his Tomorrow Group is testimony to his success — and scrupulous about maintaining a low public profile. But politically correct connections in some circumstances can be dangerous in others. Two of Xiao's connections are particularly troubling for him now.