Record Number of Purges as Xi Emphasises ‘Party Discipline’ at China Political Gathering

China’s ruling Communist Party has expelled a record 33 members following a major political gathering, highlighting President Xi Jinping’s intensified campaign against corruption and his emphasis on strict party discipline. The four-day fifth plenum, which concluded on October 29, 2026, saw attendance fall to 279 Central Committee members, marking the first time in Xi’s 14 years of leadership that participation dropped below 300. According to official statements, 16 of the expelled members were from the military, while other prominent figures included former Xinjiang party chief Ma Xingrui, former senior general Zhang Youxia and former diplomat Liu Jianchao. The party cited serious disciplinary and legal violations but did not provide detailed information about all the allegations. Xi has made combating corruption a central part of his leadership since taking power in 2012, and the latest campaign has increasingly focused on officials’ loyalty, performance and compliance with party directives. During the gathering, party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to stricter internal governance and continued anti-corruption measures. Analysts say the growing number of removals, particularly among senior military officials, raises questions about leadership stability and military readiness, although the campaign is officially presented as an effort to strengthen accountability and discipline. The meeting also set the stage for the next Communist Party Congress, scheduled for the second half of 2027, when China’s leadership is expected to undergo another major reshuffle. The developments underline Xi’s continued efforts to tighten control over the party and ensure that officials follow its political priorities. Sources: Reuters and Associated Press.