China’s ruling Communist Party has introduced additional measures aimed at strengthening internal discipline, improving governance and tackling corruption among government and party officials.

The decision was adopted at a major meeting of the Communist Party’s Central Committee in Beijing, which concluded on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The meeting, known as the fifth plenum, was chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to state news agency Xinhua, the committee approved a decision titled “advancing full and rigorous governance of the party”. The initiative is expected to reinforce accountability within the party and address corruption among officials, particularly those occupying influential positions in government and public institutions.

The Central Committee consists of approximately 300 senior party officials. Its plenary meetings are important political gatherings that provide opportunities to discuss major national policies, party administration and leadership priorities. Under Xi’s leadership, such meetings have also played a significant role in consolidating his political authority.

Despite speculation that Xi could receive an elevated political designation, the official statement released after the latest meeting did not describe him as the “People’s Leader”. Such a title would have represented another significant enhancement of his political standing.

Xi Jinping’s Long-Running Anti-Corruption Campaign

The latest decision comes against the background of Xi’s extensive anti-corruption campaign, which has been a defining feature of his leadership for approximately 14 years.

The campaign has resulted in investigations and the removal of thousands of government and Communist Party officials. Several senior figures, including members of the Central Committee, have also been affected by disciplinary investigations and corruption allegations.

The extensive purges have had consequences for the composition of the party’s highest leadership structures. This year’s fifth plenum recorded its lowest attendance since the death of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong in 1976, with eight Central Committee positions vacant before the meeting began.

Some vacancies were filled during the proceedings, which started on Monday.

One of the notable developments was the promotion of Zhang Shengmin, China’s anti-corruption chief and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), to the Politburo, the country’s highest political decision-making body.

His appointment increased the Politburo’s membership to 22.

Chinese Military Also Affected by Anti-Corruption Drive

China’s military establishment has experienced significant disruption as Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign has extended into the country’s armed forces.

In August 2026, Zhang Youxia, previously China’s highest-ranking military general, was removed from his position following a corruption investigation that had reportedly lasted several months.

His departure created an unusual situation within the Central Military Commission, which is constitutionally and institutionally expected to have seven representatives. Following his removal, only Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin remained, according to the report.

The developments highlight the extent to which the anti-corruption campaign has affected China’s military leadership and the country’s broader political establishment.

Attention Turns to Next Year’s Party Congress

The fifth plenum also comes ahead of an important Communist Party congress scheduled for next year, when China is expected to undertake another major leadership reshuffle.

Xi Jinping, who is 73, is widely expected to secure an unprecedented fourth term, further extending his influence over China’s political direction.

The forthcoming congress will therefore be an important moment for determining the composition of the country’s senior leadership and the future direction of the Communist Party.

The latest disciplinary measures indicate that strengthening internal party governance and maintaining political control remain central priorities for Xi’s administration as preparations begin for the next leadership transition.