The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee commenced a four-day plenary session in Beijing on Monday. President Xi Jinping briefed the committee on a draft document focused on full and rigorous party self-governance.
This gathering marks the fifth such meeting since the current cohort took office in 2022. The draft text addresses the need to guard against complacency, combat corruption, and improve governing capacity.
A Xinhua commentary stated, "It is essential to both refine institutional rules and regulations to close loopholes and strengthen safeguards, and ensure their effective implementation." The anti-corruption drive, which has purged hundreds of senior officials and top generals, is described as a demonstration of sustained and systemic self-governance.
The party aims to ensure that officials "dare not, cannot and do not want to commit corruption." Military leaders were told the armed forces must undergo a phoenix-like rebirth and "bathe in flames and be forged anew."
Kerry Brown said the plenum will present Xi as in control and able to continue his command. Brown also noted it is likely everything will be centred on him to dispel rumours about his physical fitness and ability to continue in his role.
While the party constitution requires at least one plenum annually, a third plenum was delayed for more than 0.5 years until mid-2024. Xi is expected to extend his rule for another 5 years.
