Beijing’s Fifth Plenum Expels 33 Officials and Elevates a Military Loyalist
The Communist Party’s fifth plenum wrapped up with a sweeping anti‑corruption purge, ousting 33 senior members and promoting General Zhang Shengmin to the Politburo.
Overview of the Fifth Plenum
Beijing hosted the Communist Party’s fifth plenum from Monday to Thursday, concluding on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. The press conference the following day featured Wang Gang as moderator, alongside senior officials Hu Heping, Zhang Fuhai, Huang Jianfa, Tang Fangyu and Xie Chuntao.
Scale of the Purge
The party announced the expulsion of 33 senior members. Among those named were Zhang Youxia, formerly the most senior military general, and Liu Jianchao, a senior diplomat once tipped for the foreign minister post.
Only 279 of the 376 full and alternate central committee members attended, a shortfall of more than a quarter, with many absent members believed to be under investigation.
Military Leadership Turnover
Neil Thomas noted that the military leadership “has almost completely been purged in the last three or four years.” In contrast, General Zhang Shengmin, a prominent player in the anti‑corruption campaign, was promoted to the Politburo, underscoring the continued emphasis on discipline within the armed forces.
Political Implications
Professor Joseph Torigian described the plenum as “Xi Jinping setting up for the next party congress next year by ensuring that everybody is on the same page as him.” He added that the churn raises questions about who Xi will rely on for the upcoming succession.
Thomas argued that the focus on party governance suggests Xi is unlikely to take risky actions abroad until he feels more secure with his party’s loyalty.
Key Themes
The meeting highlighted a renewed drive to strengthen party governance and discipline, reinforcing the anti‑corruption narrative that has dominated Xi’s tenure.
The fifth plenum signals a continued tightening of party control ahead of next year’s congress.
