Record number of purges as Xi emphasises 'party discipline' at China political gathering

Key Points:

• A record 33 members, including 16 from the military, were expelled from China's Communist Party at the conclusion of the fifth plenum, marking the most empty seats ever seen at this major political gathering.
• The expulsions, part of Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-corruption campaign, focus on "serious disciplinary and legal violations," a broad charge often used to consolidate Xi's authority rather than solely address corruption.
• High-profile purges include former Xinjiang party chief Ma Xingrui and ex-top generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, significantly impacting military leadership and raising concerns about organizational stability and combat readiness.
• Plenum attendance fell below 300 for the first time in Xi's 14-year leadership, reflecting a shrinking Central Committee and growing emphasis on party discipline, ideological purity, and loyalty ahead of the 2027 Party Congress.
• Analysts suggest the intensified crackdown aims to secure Xi's position for a possible unprecedented fourth term as CCP leader, with a leadership reshuffle expected next year amid continued purges of officials previously promoted by Xi.