China's Party Conclave Records High Expulsions and Absences

A Chinese Communist Party conclave on internal discipline expelled a record number of senior officials and recorded the highest absence rate in its modern history. The meeting, part of the party's fifth plenum since 2022, also set the 21st Party Congress for the second half of 2027.

The closed-door meeting of the Central Committee, the party's largest decision-making body, saw 279 full and alternate members attend, compared to 376 originally named in 2022. This means over a quarter of the original leadership cohort was absent, many due to purges.

The party described its achievements as worthy of being 'recorded forever in the history books of building Marxist political parties.' Officials emphasized unity and discipline, framing the meeting's message as a contrast to external divisions and instability.

Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign, initiated in 2012, has led to the purging of hundreds of officials, including former allies. The meeting's communique claimed Xi's authority enabled the party to curb misconduct, resolve institutional failures, and strengthen discipline through 'revolutionary tempering.'

The Central Military Commission, the party's supreme military command, has been significantly weakened. Five of seven members appointed in 2022 were purged, leaving only Xi and vice-chair Zhang Shengmin in office. Zhang was unexpectedly elevated to the Politburo, a rare move at a midterm plenum.

The party's anti-corruption campaign continues, with no signs of slowing. Analysts note the campaign's purpose is to build a disciplined system that sustains Xi's political priorities across leadership cycles. The party remains reliant on internal discipline to maintain control over its vast authority.