China’s ruling Communist Party is set to convene a key meeting where discipline and loyalty remain central themes amid a decade-long anti-corruption campaign. Since Xi Jinping took power in 2012, the crackdown has expanded relentlessly, with authorities launching investigations into over a million individuals last year, including high-ranking officials. Analysts debate whether the focus reflects ongoing corruption concerns or deeper fears about party cohesion. The upcoming discussions signal how leadership assesses internal control as political stability remains a priority.
The fifth plenum comes against a backdrop of years of purges that have had some analysts wondering if the issue is corruption or a lack of loyaltyWhen Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, he pledged to stamp out corruption all through the ranks of the Communist party. More than a decade later, the pace of investigations has not slowed. Last year, China’s disciplinary authorities opened investigations into more than 1 million people, including more than 100 officials at or above ministerial or provincial level.As Chinese Communist party (CCP) officials prepare for an important meeting this week discipline – and party loyalty – is high on the agenda. For those who try to read the tea leaves of elite Chinese politics, concern about the apparent lack of discipline is dominating CCP discussions. Continue reading...
