Why are China party purges increasing under Xi Jinping?
The intensification of China party purges is driven by a central mandate to enforce strict party self-governance and eliminate perceived threats to leadership stability. During the fifth plenum, the Communist Party (CCP) emphasized the need to 'turn the knife inwards' to curb disorder and address the 'grim reality' of weakened party leadership. This campaign, which Xi Jinping has championed since 2012, treats corruption not merely as financial graft but as a fundamental threat to the party's survival.
According to a communique issued on Thursday, 33 members were expelled following the four-day closed-door meeting. This brings the total number of members removed during Xi's third term to a record 51, a significant increase from the 35 removals in his first term and five in his second. The scale of these disciplinary actions suggests that the anti-corruption drive has evolved into a permanent mechanism for political management.
Observers note that the definition of corruption has broadened to include 'ideological impurity.' Xi has specifically warned against 'two-faced cadres'—officials who outwardly profess loyalty to the party while privately working against its interests. By framing disloyalty as a disciplinary violation, the leadership can target political rivals under the guise of maintaining institutional integrity.
How has the fifth plenum attendance changed?
The fifth plenum saw a historic decline in participation, with only 279 Central Committee members in attendance. This represents the first time in Xi Jinping's 14-year leadership that plenum attendance has fallen below the 300-member threshold. The downward trend in attendance is stark when compared to previous high-level gatherings:
| Plenum Session | Date | Attendance (Members) |
|---|---|---|
| Third Plenum | July 2024 | 364 |
| Fourth Plenum | October 2025 | 315 |
| Fifth Plenum | October 2026 | 279 |
Given that the current Central Committee began its term in 2022 with more than 370 members, the current level of participation indicates a significant contraction in the active political circle. While the official reasons for these absences are not specified, the empty seats serve as a visible indicator of the ongoing reshuffling within the party's highest echelons.
What is the impact of purges on the Chinese military?
The military has been hit particularly hard by the recent wave of expulsions, with 16 of the 33 removed members belonging to the armed forces. The removal of top-tier generals and high-ranking officials has caused significant disruption to the leadership structure of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Among those purged are former top generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, as well as former Xinjiang party chief Ma Xingrui.
The restructuring of the Central Military Commission (CMC) highlights the severity of this leadership vacuum. The commission, which wields total control over the armed forces, has been reduced from seven members to just two: Xi Jinping as chairman and Zhang Shengmin as vice-chairman. This consolidation of military command represents a massive shift in the distribution of power.
Implications for combat readiness
Analysts from the Asia Society Policy Institute, including Neil Thomas, Lobsang Tsering, and Shengyu Wang, have described the culling of the military's top brass as being "in a category of its own." They argue that while China continues to demonstrate technological advancement through new military hardware, the constant removal of experienced leadership raises serious questions regarding the organization's actual combat readiness and command stability.
Who are the key figures targeted in recent expulsions?
The recent purges have targeted high-profile figures who once held significant influence within the Politburo and the diplomatic corps. The removal of these individuals suggests that no level of seniority provides immunity from the current disciplinary standards. Key figures named in recent reports include:
- Ma Xingrui: Former Xinjiang party chief and former Politburo member.
- Zhang Youxia: Former top general and former Politburo member.
- Liu Zhenli: Former top general.
- Liu Jianchao: A prominent diplomat who had been missing from public view since July 2025.
The instability within the Politburo was particularly evident when the 24-man body was temporarily reduced to 21 members due to these removals. While the promotion of Zhang Shengmin to the top decision-making body has brought the number back to 22, the frequent turnover remains a defining characteristic of the current political era. According to Chong Ja Ian, a scholar with Carnegie China, the fact that Xi can remove even those he previously promoted underscores his unassailable position within the party.
What does this mean for China's future leadership?
The focus on discipline is widely viewed as a preparatory step for the 2027 Party Congress, where the leadership reshuffle will take place. Analysts expect that Xi Jinping will seek a fourth term, a feat not achieved since Mao Zedong. To ensure this outcome, the leadership is currently scrutinizing the next generation of officials to ensure they are both technically competent and politically loyal.
The current "rising stars" in the party are often younger individuals with technocratic backgrounds who possess strong connections to Xi's established political network. Observers suggest that provincial leadership ranks are the most critical areas for identifying these future leaders. However, this intense concentration of power carries long-term risks.
While the current strategy cements Xi's grip on the party in the short term, it may create systemic vulnerabilities in the future. Chong Ja Ian suggests that such a high concentration of authority around a single individual could lead to a significant power vacuum once Xi eventually ages or his influence diminishes.
FAQ: China party purges
How many people have been disciplined in 2026?
In the first nine months of 2026, China's top anti-corruption watchdog reported that 680,000 people across the party apparatus have been disciplined. This massive figure reflects the ongoing and widespread nature of the party's internal disciplinary and legal enforcement actions.
Why are so many military officials being expelled?
The high number of military expulsions, including 16 of the 33 members in the latest round, is part of a broader effort to ensure the armed forces remain under absolute political control. This has led to significant changes in the Central Military Commission's composition.
What are "two-faced cadres"?
Two-faced cadres are officials who publicly express political loyalty to the Communist Party and Xi Jinping but privately act in their own self-interest or defy central orders. Xi has identified this behavior as a major threat to the party's integrity and discipline.
Is the anti-corruption campaign purely about fighting graft?
While officially aimed at fighting corruption, many analysts believe the campaign is also a tool to consolidate political authority. It allows the leadership to target officials for "disciplinary violations," which can include ideological impurity and political disloyalty.
What is the significance of the declining plenum attendance?
The decline in attendance, falling to 279 members at the fifth plenum, is the lowest in Xi's 14-year tenure. This trend may reflect the ongoing reshuffling of the Central Committee and the impact of recent high-level expulsions on the party's membership.
Key takeaways
- A record 33 members were expelled from the CCP following the recent fifth plenum.
- Sixteen of the expelled members are from the military, affecting top leadership.
- Plenum attendance fell to 279, the lowest during Xi Jinping's leadership.
- The anti-corruption campaign now targets ideological loyalty alongside financial graft.
- The Central Military Commission has been reduced to only two active members.
Conclusion
The recent wave of China party purges signals a period of intense internal consolidation as the CCP approaches the 2027 leadership reshuffle. By targeting high-ranking military officials and veteran politicians, Xi Jinping is reinforcing a governance model centered on absolute loyalty and ideological conformity. While these actions strengthen his immediate control over the party and the military, they also introduce new risks. The significant reduction in the Central Military Commission and the declining attendance at key political meetings suggest a period of structural instability that may complicate China's long-term institutional continuity and leadership succession.
