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

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives at the South Portico of the White House for a state visit with President Donald Trump, Sept. 24, 2026

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.

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

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