Are the latest Communist Party promotions a sign of a new political trend in China?

At a recent Communist Party gathering in Beijing, ten officials were promoted to full membership of the party's Central Committee, marking a significant shift in their usual routine. These appointments, highlighted in a communique released after the fifth plenum of the party's 20th Central Committee, came amid discussions on party discipline and fighting corruption.

The event saw a record low attendance, with only 79 percent of full members showing up. The turnover rate was also the highest in recent years, with 24 full members and 11 alternate members expelled.

The promotion list featured several high-profile regional administrators, including Shanxi governor Lu Dongliang and Zhejiang governor Liu Jie, both in their 50s, along with Fu Wenhua and Zhu Wenxiang, two lieutenant generals from the paramilitary People's Armed Police, both in their 60s. However, five alternate members were overlooked for promotion, a departure from the party's established practice of following the order of their votes during party congresses.

This shift in procedure has become increasingly common in recent years, with most of those passed over facing political setbacks or investigations.

While none of the passed-over officials were shown in footage from the meeting, the South China Morning Post reports that Cong Liang, 54, director of the State Council's Development Research Centre, has been in poor health for the past two years. This departure from tradition has raised questions about the political implications of these promotions and expulsions.