Xi Jinping Intensifies Political Purge With Record Expulsion of Senior Chinese Officials

2026, October 30

China

China's Communist Party confirmed the expulsion of 33 senior officials following a major leadership meeting, marking an unprecedented escalation of President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign. Among those removed were former senior military commander Zhang Youxia and former Xinjiang party chief Ma Xingrui. Only 279 of the 376 Central Committee members originally appointed in 2022 attended the latest meeting, representing an extraordinary level of leadership turnover.

The purge has particularly affected China's military leadership, with five of the seven members of the Central Military Commission appointed in 2022 having been removed. The party also began preparations for its 21st National Congress, expected in the second half of 2027, when Xi is widely expected to seek another five-year term. Analysts believe the extensive removals demonstrate Xi's determination to strengthen political loyalty, although they raise questions about leadership stability and the availability of experienced military officials.