China expels record 33 officials, sees lowest Central Committee attendance since Mao
The expulsion of three former politburo members were confirmed.
China has expelled a record 33 officials at the conclusion of the 20th Central Committee's 20th Plenary Session, marking the lowest attendance since Mao Zedong's era. This purge, aimed at addressing alleged corruption and strengthening party discipline, saw 162 full members and 117 alternate members attend the session. The 33 expulsions included two former Politburo members, Zhang Youxia and Ma Xingrui, signaling the party's deep reach into its leadership ranks.
Promotions were limited, with only 10 alternate members being elevated to full members, none from the military. A notable exception was the promotion of Zhang Shengmin, the former vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, to the Politburo, amplifying central control over the military, which remains under Xi Jinping's authority.
The Plenum underscored the importance of "full and rigorous Party Self-Governance," a theme reinforced by repeated references throughout the proceedings.
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