CPC charts new course for governance, anti-corruption and National Rejuvenation at landmark fifth plenary session

Xi Jinping calls for stronger Party discipline, institutional reforms and high-quality development as Central Committee adopts major resolution on rigorous self-governance

CPC charts new course for governance, anti-corruption and National Rejuvenation at landmark fifth plenary session

Four-day Beijing meeting announces 21st CPC National Congress for 2027, endorses sweeping anti-corruption measures and outlines priorities for China's modernization drive

The four-day session, held from October 26 to 29, brought together senior Party leaders, policymakers and representatives from key institutions to review the country's political and developmental progress, assess challenges confronting the world's largest ruling communist party, and establish priorities for maintaining effective governance during a period of profound domestic and international transformation.

President Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered an important address and presented a report on the work of the Political Bureau, which was discussed and endorsed by the Central Committee.

The meeting adopted the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Certain Major Issues concerning Persevering with Full and Rigorous Party Self-Governance, providing a comprehensive policy framework for reinforcing Party discipline, improving leadership accountability, strengthening institutional supervision and advancing the fight against corruption.

According to the official communique, the session was attended by 162 members and 117 alternate members of the Central Committee. Members of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, senior officials from relevant departments, grassroots representatives, experts and scholars also participated in a non-voting capacity.

The Political Bureau presided over the deliberations, which placed particular emphasis on ensuring that the CPC remains capable of providing effective political leadership as China advances toward its long-term national development objectives.

Xi Jinping Emphasizes Political Leadership and Party Renewal

The plenary session highlighted the central importance of maintaining unified political leadership and ensuring that the CPC continues to adapt to changing circumstances while preserving its foundational principles.

Participants stressed that the Party's historical achievements had been closely linked to its capacity for internal reform, discipline, organizational unity and the correction of shortcomings.

The communique emphasized that the CPC's continued effectiveness as China's ruling party depends on its ability to address emerging governance challenges, maintain public confidence and improve its institutional capacity.

The Central Committee also reaffirmed the importance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, particularly Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building, as an ideological and strategic foundation for strengthening Party organizations and governance systems.

The session described full and rigorous Party self-governance as a long-term strategic requirement rather than a temporary political campaign.

It called for higher standards of political conduct, stronger enforcement of regulations, continuous ideological education and the development of leadership structures capable of responding effectively to modern economic, political and social challenges.

The communique acknowledged that the Party continues to face complex internal and external pressures, including challenges related to governance capacity, political integrity, corruption prevention and organizational effectiveness.

Accordingly, the leadership emphasized the need for sustained self-reform to ensure the Party remains capable of guiding China's development and safeguarding national interests.

Major Resolution Targets Corruption and Institutional Weaknesses

One of the most significant outcomes of the session was the adoption of a comprehensive resolution seeking to institutionalize strict Party supervision and reinforce mechanisms for preventing corruption and abuse of authority.

The Central Committee maintained that corruption represents a serious threat to political integrity, public trust and effective governance. The resolution's measures are intended to ensure that discipline and accountability are applied consistently throughout the Party's organizational structure.

It further stressed that officials and Party organizations failing to fulfil their supervisory responsibilities should face accountability, particularly where ineffective oversight contributes to serious governance problems.

These measures reflect the leadership's stated determination to make anti-corruption enforcement a permanent component of China's governance framework.

The Central Committee also reviewed and approved disciplinary reports involving numerous senior civilian and military officials accused of serious violations of Party discipline and law.

Previous Political Bureau decisions expelling several officials from the Party were confirmed, while a decision removing Li Yunze from his Party position was also endorsed.

Among those whose expulsions were confirmed were Ma Xingrui, Zhang Youxia, Liu Zhenli, Lan Tianli and Liu Jianchao.

The decisions demonstrate the continuing significance of disciplinary enforcement within China's political and military institutions, as presented in the official communique.

Stronger Institutional Oversight and Democratic Centralism

The plenary session attached particular importance to improving the CPC's organizational and institutional framework, emphasizing that effective leadership requires clearly defined responsibilities, disciplined decision-making and coordinated implementation of policies.

The Central Committee reaffirmed democratic centralism as the Party's fundamental organizational principle, calling for better integration of internal consultation with unified decision-making and implementation.

The communique stressed that leadership teams must strictly observe established procedures, while senior officials should exercise authority within clearly defined institutional boundaries.

Measures were proposed to strengthen internal Party democracy, regulate the exercise of power and improve coordination between central and local organizations.

Special attention was devoted to strengthening grassroots Party organizations and ensuring that policies adopted by the central leadership are effectively implemented throughout the country.

The session also emphasized the need for improved recruitment, training and supervision of officials, particularly younger leaders expected to shoulder greater responsibilities in the coming years.

According to the communique, the selection and appointment of officials should prioritize political commitment, professional competence, integrity, discipline and the ability to deliver tangible results.

The Central Committee called for leadership development programmes that encourage innovation, sound decision-making and practical solutions to challenges facing the population.

These initiatives are intended to strengthen administrative efficiency while ensuring that Party officials remain responsive to public needs and national development priorities.

The Central Committee also reviewed disciplinary decisions concerning senior officials. Zhang Shengmin was elected to the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

The Central Committee also filled vacant positions with alternate members, including Lu Dongliang, Bao Gang, Xing Shanping, Qu Yingpu, Lv Jun, Zhu Tianshu, Zhu Guoxian, Liu Jun, Liu Jie and Liu Qiang.

In addition, the meeting considered reports from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Central Military Commission concerning serious violations of discipline and law involving a number of senior officials.

The confirmation of previously announced disciplinary decisions formed part of the session's broader emphasis on accountability and rigorous Party governance.

The communique presented these developments as measures to reinforce organizational integrity and strengthen discipline across both civilian and military institutions.

Public Welfare and Leadership Accountability in Focus

The session stressed that the effectiveness of Party governance must ultimately be reflected in improved public services, responsible administration and tangible benefits for citizens.

The Central Committee called for officials to adopt a performance-oriented approach focused on serving the public interest rather than pursuing superficial achievements.

Leadership teams were urged to strengthen their capacity for evidence-based policymaking, responsible decision-making and practical implementation.

Particular attention was given to the training of newly appointed officials during the ongoing round of elections at different organizational levels.

The communique emphasized that effective governance requires officials to understand public needs, make sound decisions and deliver measurable outcomes through sustained administrative efforts.

The session also reviewed progress in the campaign promoting a correct understanding of official performance, which seeks to encourage public-oriented leadership and discourage practices that prioritize appearances over results.

The leadership called for the consolidation of achievements made through this campaign and their integration into the regular functioning of Party institutions.

Economic Stability and Modernization Priorities

The session reaffirmed the principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability, recognizing the need to balance economic expansion with financial, social and national security considerations.

The Central Committee urged more effective use of macroeconomic policies to stimulate economic activity, improve market confidence and unlock domestic consumption potential.

It also stressed the importance of developing a modern economic structure capable of supporting long-term productivity and international competitiveness.

Innovation was identified as a crucial driver of sustained growth, with the leadership calling for the accelerated development of new growth opportunities and improved efficiency across economic sectors.

The meeting emphasized that economic progress must be accompanied by improvements in public services and social protection.

Priority areas include workplace safety, disaster prevention, emergency relief, food and drug safety, social stability and essential public services.

The communique called for particular attention to vulnerable groups, stressing that development policies should provide adequate support for people facing economic or social difficulties.

The session's economic discussions reflected the leadership's commitment to strengthening domestic growth foundations while maintaining China's participation in international economic cooperation.

National Security and Modernization Agenda Reaffirmed

The Central Committee also reviewed developments in national defense, security and foreign affairs, reaffirming the importance of coordinating national development with the protection of sovereignty and strategic interests.

The meeting acknowledged progress in modernizing China's armed forces and advancing policies relating to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

It also endorsed the continued pursuit of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.

The communique stressed that changing international circumstances have created additional challenges for China's security and development interests, requiring stronger governance capacity and effective strategic coordination.

Participants emphasized that national modernization must proceed alongside efforts to maintain social harmony, political stability and institutional resilience.

The session further reaffirmed China's long-term objective of building a modern socialist country and advancing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.

In this context, the Central Committee described political discipline, institutional efficiency, economic strength and national security as interconnected pillars of China's future development.

CPC Announces 21st National Congress for 2027

A major political decision emerging from the plenary session was the announcement that the Communist Party of China will convene its 21st National Congress in Beijing during the second half of 2027.

The Central Committee described the forthcoming congress as a highly significant event at an important stage in China's development.

The Fifth Plenary Session concluded with a renewed call for unity around the CPC Central Committee under the leadership of Xi Jinping.

Participants emphasized that the Party must remain committed to its ideological foundations while continuing to strengthen internal discipline, governance capacity and organizational effectiveness.

The Central Committee stated that the challenges facing China require sustained political determination, institutional innovation and coordinated national efforts.

It called upon Party organizations and officials throughout the country to implement the newly adopted resolution and translate its provisions into concrete governance improvements.

The meeting also emphasized that internal reform must remain a continuous process capable of responding to evolving political, economic and social conditions.

The communique characterized the ability to identify and correct internal weaknesses as central to the CPC's historical development and long-term leadership.

By strengthening oversight, improving discipline and refining governance structures, the Party aims to preserve its organizational capacity while advancing its modernization objectives.

New Phase in China's Political and Economic Development

The conclusion of the Fifth Plenary Session marks another important stage in China's continuing efforts to integrate political governance reforms with national development priorities.

The adoption of the comprehensive resolution on rigorous Party self-governance demonstrates the leadership's intention to reinforce discipline and accountability across the country's political institutions.

At the same time, the emphasis on innovation, domestic demand, public welfare, economic stability and continued opening up highlights the importance attached to maintaining the momentum of China's development.

The decisions taken during the session also establish a political framework leading toward the 21st CPC National Congress in 2027.

The challenge ahead will be translating the resolution's broad commitments into effective institutional practices, stronger public administration and sustained economic and social progress.

As China advances through the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the implementation of these decisions will be closely associated with the country's ability to maintain political stability, improve governance standards and achieve its longer-term modernization objectives.

The Central Committee concluded by urging Party members to strengthen unity, uphold discipline, deepen self-reform and work toward building China into a modern socialist country in all respects.

The four-day meeting thus brought together three central themes of China's current political agenda: stronger Party governance, sustained economic modernization and the pursuit of national rejuvenation, setting out the leadership's priorities for the period ahead.

(Source: Xinhua communique dated October 29, 2026)