China vows continued anti-corruption campaign, OKs removal of key figures

BEIJING (Kyodo) — The ruling Communist Party of China has pledged to continue its anti-corruption campaign and officially approved the removal of key figures, including former top general Zhang Youxia, according to state-run media. The five-day session of the 20th Central Committee aimed to strengthen party governance and adopt a holistic approach to tackling corruption, which includes severe punishment, targeted remediation, and effective prevention.

Party communique stated that the fight against corruption must be carried out to the end, with party general secretary Xi Jinping expected to secure an unprecedented fourth five-year term during the Congress in the second half of 2027. Notable former officials expelled from the party include Liu Jianchao, who headed the party's International Department, and Ma Xingrui, former party chief of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

In total, 33 members and alternate members of the party's Central Committee were expelled, while 10 joined the decision-making body at the session. The party called upon all members to rally around the Central Committee, led by Xi, in building China into a modern socialist country in all respects.