China’s Fifth Plenum Confirms Record Purges and Sets 2027 Congress

Key points

• The Central Committee meeting saw only 279 attendees, down from 376 in 2022, marking the highest absence rate since Mao Zedong’s era.
• 33 officials were formally expelled, including former Politburo members Ma Xingrui and Zhang Youxia, and diplomat Liu Jianchao.
• General Zhang Shengmin was promoted to the Politburo, bringing its membership back to 22 after previous purges reduced it to 21.
• The plenum scheduled the 21st Party Congress for the second half of 2027, a key event for leadership succession.
• The anti-corruption campaign has removed 51 members in Xi’s third term, compared to 34 in his second and five in his first.

Background

This development follows a series of high-profile purges in 2026, including the removal of military leaders Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli in September. Earlier coverage noted that the Central Military Commission had been reduced to just two members, raising concerns about military readiness. The death of former vice-premier Liu Yandong in October also highlighted the aging of the political elite, though her passing was unrelated to the current disciplinary actions.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and BBC emphasize the scale of the purge and the historic low attendance, framing it as a consolidation of Xi’s authority. CNN highlights the personal security of Xi, noting that no rival factions remain to challenge him. BBC analysts argue the campaign is about loyalty rather than corruption, while CNN points out the lack of a clear heir for Xi. All sources agree that the 2027 Congress will be critical for Xi’s fourth term.

Why it matters

The record purges and low attendance signal a significant shift in China’s political landscape, with Xi Jinping consolidating control ahead of the 2027 Congress. The removal of senior military and civilian officials raises questions about governance stability and military readiness. The focus on discipline suggests that loyalty to Xi is now the primary criterion for political survival, potentially reshaping the party’s leadership structure for the next decade.

What to watch

The 21st Party Congress is scheduled for the second half of 2027, where Xi is expected to secure a fourth term. Analysts predict that Xi will dominate personnel selection, favoring young technocrats with strong ties to his network. The anti-corruption campaign is likely to continue, with further purges possible as Xi consolidates power ahead of the Congress.