Xi Jinping's relentless anti-corruption campaign remains a focal point as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) convenes for its critical fifth plenum this week. Since assuming power in 2012, Xi has maintained a vigorous crackdown on corruption, with last year alone seeing investigations into over 1 million individuals, including more than 100 high-ranking officials.
The fifth plenum, which began on Monday, is set to address 'major issues on advancing the party’s full and rigorous self-governance.' This phrase is widely interpreted as a focus on discipline, loyalty, and anti-corruption efforts. As the CCP's elite gather, discussions are expected to center on the apparent lack of discipline within the party ranks.
Xi's anti-corruption drive has led to questions about whether the campaign targets genuine corruption or political disloyalty. According to Kerry Brown, director of the Lau China Institute at King’s College London, Xi sees little distinction between the two. In his view, political loyalty and corruption are intertwined, with disloyalty equating to corruption.
Some analysts argue that corruption is an inherent feature of China's authoritarian system, which governs 1.4 billion people through a vast bureaucracy. Neil Thomas, a senior fellow at the Asia Society think tank, suggests that Xi has strengthened his control over the party but acknowledges that tougher punishments alone cannot resolve the issue of officials prioritizing personal interests over party loyalty.
The fifth plenum is one of seven meetings that occur in a five-year cycle between CCP congresses. This gathering is particularly significant as it is likely the last major meeting before the 21st Party Congress next year, where a new Central Committee will be selected, and Xi is expected to secure a fourth term as the party's leader.
Xi's focus on eliminating threats to his authority and the party's credibility is evident in recent high-profile investigations. In January, Zhang Youxia, China's top general, was placed under investigation and subsequently expelled from the party. His removal has left the Central Military Commission (CMC) with only two members: Xi and Zhang Shengmin, the CMC's head of discipline.
Other notable figures recently purged include Ma Xingrui, the former party secretary for Xinjiang, and Huang Qifan, the former mayor of Chongqing. Huang, once considered a political survivor due to his connections to past scandals, has now fallen from grace.
The ongoing purges have led some analysts to question whether they signal instability within the regime. However, Xi likely views these investigations as a demonstration of his control. Brown notes that corruption probes are a straightforward tool for enforcing unity and discipline within the party.
Xi has previously warned that the CCP could lose its ruling status and face elimination by history if it fails to maintain order. This warning underscores the importance he places on discipline and loyalty as cornerstones of his governance strategy.
