The trial of fallen Chinese politician Bo Xilai resumed Friday, a day after the charismatic former top official mounted an unexpectedly resolute defense against the prosecution's accusations of bribery.

Once a rising star in the upper echelons of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, Bo is now on trial on charges of bribery, embezzlement and abuse of power.

His dramatic downfall - laced with tales of murder, corruption and betrayal - set off the party's biggest political crisis in decades.