What to know about China's plenum as Xi seeks stronger Communist Party discipline

China's political leaders and elites commenced a four-day meeting on Monday to discuss the reinforcement of the ruling Communist Party's discipline, as President Xi Jinping aims to bolster loyalty and reliability among officials while intensifying his decade-long anti-corruption campaign. This closed-door gathering, recognized as the fifth plenum of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, transpires roughly a year prior to Xi's anticipated securing of a fourth five-year term as the party's leader and personnel shifts within key leadership roles.

Xi inaugurated the meeting by delivering a work report and addressing a draft policy decision aimed at advancing "full and rigorous party self-governance," according to China's official Xinhua News Agency. The policy seeks to instill greater discipline, effectiveness, and reduced corruption among cadres. While Xi has solidified his control over power, analysts contend that the plenum presents him with an opportunity to further align the actions of Chinese officials with Beijing's objectives.

According to analysts, the plenum serves as a platform for ensuring that the new generation of officials ascending the ranks share Xi's vision and values.