China’s Politburo warns of economic risks as Communist Party readies for third plenum

“The complexity, severity and uncertainty of the external environment have spiked,” it said, according to a statement released by state news agency Xinhua. The session, also known as a plenum, traditionally sets economic strategy for the next five to 10 years and is often seen as the most important of the seven party gatherings held … Read more

China’s ‘two sessions’ 2024: after high-level purges, will party leadership tidy up loose ends?

On Tuesday, Qin resigned as a member of the national legislature, according to an official statement, while Li was also removed from the party’s Central Military Commission (CMC). The pair remained on the Central Committee, however, the Communist Party’s 300-strong decision making body. Nine other generals, including two former rocket force commanders, were “suspected of … Read more

China revamps discipline inspection rules to ensure Xi Jinping’s instructions are carried out

A newly added paragraph at the beginning of the document states that the inspection work’s “fundamental task is to resolutely safeguard the core status” of Xi, as well as his authority and leadership. Another new section explains that the party’s inspection team shall, as its top priority, check on the implementation of “major decisions and … Read more

With China’s economic plenum still unscheduled, observers worry politics remain in command

Top priorities will include party discipline and cohesion, according to a statement issued after the meeting, though “high-quality development” was also emphasised. National security and upholding unity under the party and central government’s leadership remain the most crucial goals, while other matters such as youth employment and economic rejuvenation seem to rank lower, observers and … Read more

Exclusive | Xi Jinping is relying more on his lieutenants to forge ties with China’s political elites

The databank includes a relationship network to show how each of the seven top political leaders is connected to the party’s 20th Central Committee – the pool from which they were drawn. It also shows where they crossed paths based on their official work history. Collectively, the seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee, including … Read more

Xi Jinping urges ‘to the letter’ compliance as China’s economic recovery remains top concern

Xi’s comments, seen in a report released in the wake of the two-day conference, offer essential guidance for policymakers – and for observers, clear signs the country’s top leader sees movement has been lacking. You cannot procrastinate, dragging on small things until they become big ones, and delaying big things until they explodeXi Jinping “To … Read more