What next for Chinese tycoon, as he assists with probe?

Xiao Jianhua, the billionaire businessman persuaded by mainland Chinese agents to leave Hong Kong and return to the mainland to assist in investigations, looked likely to become a politician until the spring of 1989. As a “student cadre” at the prestigious Peking University, he could have followed the path of Li Keqiang, now the Chinese premier, by joining China’s political aspirants and ascending the party ladder.

The pro-democracy movement of that year, with Peking University at its forefront, changed the country and also Xiao’s life path. As chairman of the government-backed student union, Xiao failed to win majority support among students, as most students preferred to pressure Beijing while Xiao tried, fruitlessly, to mediate between both sides.

A zealous reader of Mao Zedong articles, Xiao decided to stay away from politics after he saw the brutal crackdown on student demonstrations in Tiananmen Square on June 4. The possible politician made up his mind to pursue profits instead.

“But an interest in politics and the sense of doing something for the country have never really faded for him,” said a person who has talked and dined with Xiao several times. “He is very amiable, always smiles at you when talking, and he isn’t shy to share his views about life and the world in general.”