China expels a record 33 members from Communist Party as Xi Jinping's purges intensify

Summary

China expelled a record 33 officials from the Chinese Communist Party as it concluded its fifth plenum, a gathering of top officials held roughly once a year. The Guardian reports that an unprecedented number of empty seats at the plenum served as a symbol of the expulsions and of the scale of Xi Jinping's purges. Semafor reports that the Party said it had expelled 33 officials from its senior ranks and elevated the former head of the military's anti-corruption body to its Politburo. The Hindu reports that the ruling party said it had 'eliminated dangers' after the expulsions, and that Xi has cracked down hard on graft during more than a decade in charge, ensnaring thousands of officials and purging dozens of Central Committee members and a string of top military brass.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   30 Oct 2026, 02:56 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that China expelled a record 33 members from the Communist Party at the fifth plenum, a gathering of top officials held roughly once a year, and that an unprecedented number of empty seats signalled the scale of Xi Jinping's purges.

2. Semafor

   30 Oct 2026, 10:55 UTCSource ↗

   Semafor reports that the Party said it had expelled 33 officials from its senior ranks and elevated the former head of the military's anti-corruption body to its Politburo.

3. The Hindu

   30 Oct 2026, 16:35 UTCSource ↗

   The Hindu reports that the ruling party said it had 'eliminated dangers' after 33 members were expelled, and notes that Xi has cracked down hard on graft over more than a decade in charge, ensnaring thousands of officials.