Xi Jinping Intensifies Anti-Corruption Campaign as Communist Party Expels 33 Members

Chinese President Xi Jinping has intensified his ongoing anti-corruption campaign, resulting in the expulsion of 33 Communist Party members, including senior military officers and political figures. The expulsions were confirmed in a communique issued on Thursday at the conclusion of a four-day, closed-door meeting of the Central Committee in Beijing.

According to reported details, 16 of the expelled individuals were from the military. Analysts cited by the BBC indicate that the campaign serves to enforce political obedience and consolidate authority, while the party cited general "serious disciplinary and legal violations" without releasing specific allegations.

Key Details of the Central Committee Meeting

• Location: Beijing, China
• Reporting Date of Communique: Thursday
• Attendance: 279 members attended the fifth plenum, down from previous sessions.
• Leadership Impact: The Central Military Commission (CMC) has been reduced to two members: Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin.

Notable Expulsions and Promotions

• Departures: Former Xinjiang party chief Ma Xingrui, senior generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, and diplomat Liu Jianchao were among those removed.
• Promotion: Zhang Shengmin was elevated to the ruling Communist Party's 24-member Politburo.

Context and Implications

President Xi urged officials to "turn the blade inward" and root out institutional vulnerabilities. Observers note that the crackdown precedes the next Communist Party Congress scheduled for the second half of 2027, where leadership positions will be reviewed. Verification of these developments can be pursued through official state media announcements and international reporting outlets such as the BBC and Xinhua.