China's Communist Party ended its Fifth Plenum in Beijing on Oct. 29, 2026, promoting Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin to the Politburo and confirming a record 33 expulsions, including former top general Zhang Youxia. Only 162 of 205 full members attended, and the 21st Party Congress, where Xi is expected to seek a fourth term, was set for the second half of 2027.
world / analysis
China's Fifth Plenum: Xi Elevates General Zhang Shengmin to Politburo, Expels 33 Including Zhang Youxia
Beijing's thinnest Central Committee turnout in decades leaves Xi Jinping with more personal control and a two-man military high command a year before the 2027 Party Congress.
By Ecker Geopolitics Desk · Reviewed and edited by Brendan Ecker
· Updated · 1 min read

China Fifth Plenum · Zhang Shengmin · Xi Jinping · Politburo · Central Military Commission · Zhang Youxia · PLA purge · Taiwan