Chinese President Xi Jinping is reportedly consolidating his authority within the Communist Party by expelling a significant number of senior officials, including high-ranking military personnel. This purge, which involves 33 officials, was confirmed during a pivotal party meeting that concluded on Thursday. The timing of this action is critical, as it precedes the anticipated 2027 Communist Party Congress, where Xi is expected to seek a fourth consecutive five-year term as party leader.

The expulsion includes notable figures such as former military leaders Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, with sixteen of the expelled officials having ties to the military. This latest crackdown underscores Xi’s ongoing efforts to exert tighter control over both the party and the armed forces in advance of the upcoming leadership transition.

Key Military Ally Promoted Amid Purge

In conjunction with the purge, General Zhang Shengmin has been elevated to the Political Bureau, the highest decision-making body within the Communist Party. Zhang has been instrumental in the military’s anti-corruption initiatives and is viewed as a close ally of Xi. His promotion to vice-chair of the Central Military Commission (CMC) last year further solidifies his influence within the military hierarchy.

The CMC, which Xi oversees, is responsible for the command of China’s armed forces. Following the recent expulsions, the commission now comprises only two members: Xi and Zhang. This concentration of power raises concerns regarding the stability of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) leadership, particularly as Xi continues to emphasise the need for political loyalty and stringent discipline.

Unlike previous party meetings that focused on economic reforms, this gathering prioritised internal governance and political discipline, reflecting a shift in Xi’s focus as he navigates the complex landscape of party leadership.

Record Number of Expulsions During Xi’s Tenure

The recent expulsions have brought the total number of Central Committee members removed during Xi’s third term to 51, a stark increase compared to 35 during his first term and just five during his second. This aggressive anti-corruption campaign extends beyond the upper echelons of the party, with reports indicating that approximately 680,000 individuals within the party apparatus have faced disciplinary actions in the first nine months of this year.

In an official statement, the Communist Party acknowledged existing weaknesses in its internal governance, admitting that leadership had occasionally weakened. The party has committed to enforcing rigorous discipline, stating its intention to “turn the knife inwards” to address disorder. Xi’s anti-corruption campaign, initiated in 2012, is credited with reversing what the party describes as lax governance and mitigating serious risks within its ranks.

This plenum also witnessed historically low attendance, with only 162 of the 205 full Central Committee members present, representing about 79 per cent attendance. In comparison, 279 members attended, marking the first time attendance fell below 300 during Xi’s leadership. While the reasons for individual absences remain unclear, these figures do not inherently indicate dissent within the party.

During the meeting, Xi presented a work report on behalf of the Political Bureau and proposed a draft resolution aimed at strengthening party self-governance. The plenum also confirmed the investigation into Liu Jianchao, the former head of the Communist Party’s International Department, who has not been seen in public since August of the previous year.

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