The trial of Bo Xilai, the disgraced Chinese politician, charged with corruption and abuse of power started in Jinan city today morning, amid national and international media glare.        

The "open trial" of Bo, the highest rank Chinese leader to go on trial in recent years, began at Jinan Intermediate People's Court in Shandong province, at around 08:40 am local time.        

The former Communist Party leader stands trial for bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power, state-run news agency Xinhua reported.  State-run CCTV has shown a convoy of cars carrying Bo and other officials entering the court. Over 300 national and foreign journalists have converged there to cover the trial.        

Bo, 64, son of former top Communist Party of China leader, served as head of 20 million people strong Chongqing city when he was ousted last year. He also served as mayor of the city of Dalian, governor of northeast China's Liaoning Province and China's minister of commerce.        

He was tipped to contest a top post in last year CPC's once-in-a-decade leadership change before which he was ousted and arrested. He was not seen since then.