News Analysis Recently, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced that the two highest-ranking authorities of Guangzhou were removed from their positions for “the massive removal of Banyan trees in the city,” as reported by local media. However, analysts have suggested that the two officials’ connection with the distressed real estate developer Evergrande may be the actual reason for the unconventional dismissal. At the 60th session of the 15th Standing Committee of the Guangzhou Municipal Council, the committee announced that it had “accepted Mayor Wen Guohui’s resignation request.” Furthermore, on the same day, the CCP approved the “removal of Zhang Shuofu’s position as Guangzhou’s CCP Secretary” and that “he would be given other duties,” as reported by the Guangdong provincial media, Nanfang Daily, on Dec. 3. In addition to reports from local media, Sing Tao Daily, Hong Kong’s second-largest newspaper, published an exclusive article titled, “Mayor And Secretary Step Down Amid …