China expels 33 CPC members, including senior military figures

The Communist Party of China confirmed the expulsion of 33 members for "serious violations of party discipline and the law," in a purge validated at the Fifth Plenum. Among those removed were a former senior military representative and an ex-party secretary, the statement said.

Plenum ratified prior Politburo decisions

According to the official announcement, the Fifth Plenum did not originate the removals but formally endorsed decisions previously taken by the Politburo. The gathering was attended by Xi Jinping, who presided over the session.

The size of the expulsions makes this the largest number of party members confirmed removed at a single plenum. The measures hit the Central Military Commission in particular, the top body overseeing China’s armed forces.

Following the reshuffle, only Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin remain listed in the altered composition of the Central Military Commission, marking a notable consolidation of personnel in the body that commands the military.

Chinese authorities framed the actions as responses to violations of internal discipline and national law. Officials described the plenum’s role as formal confirmation rather than the origin of the expulsions.

Observers say the scale and the focus on military ranks underline the leadership’s intent to tighten control over the armed forces and enforce party discipline across key institutions.

Photo: press material from the event