A former Chinese police chief whose flight to a U.S. consulate triggered China's biggest political scandal in decades will stand trial Tuesday in the southwest city of Chengdu.

Court officials at the Chengdu Intermediate People's Court announced on Friday the trial date of Wang Lijun, who has been charged with attempted defection, abuse of power, and taking bribes.

Wang was serving as the public security chief of the central city of Chongqing when he fled to the U.S. consulate in Chengdu in February to inform U.S. diplomats about a murder scandal involving the wife of his powerful boss, Bo Xilai.

The revelation prompted China's leadership to remove Bo as party chief of Chongqing. His wife, Gu Kailai, was convicted last month of the murder and sentenced to what likely amounts to life in prison.

But the fate of Bo, once a rising star in Chinese politics, is unclear. The official announcements regarding both Gu's trial and Wang's charges have made no mention of Bo, who was once considered a favorite to become one of China's top leaders during a power transfer later this year.

Though Bo has been placed under investigation by the party for “serious discipline violations,” he has not been formally expelled from it and has not been charged with any crimes.

The scandal has embarrassed the ruling Communist Party as it prepares for a once-in-a-decade leadership transition expected in coming weeks during the 18th Party Congress.

Many observers say Beijing is anxious to wrap up the scandal before the meeting. But the transition process could be complicated by another developing story regarding one of the country's top leaders.

Vice President Xi Jinping, who is expected to take over party leadership during the transition, has not been seen in public for 13 days, leading to rumors about his health. Government officials have refused to comment on the whereabouts of the 59-year-old leader-in-waiting, who has skipped several meetings with foreign dignitaries over the past week.