Top officials of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) concluded a key meeting in Beijing on Monday aimed at tightening internal discipline and advancing anti-corruption efforts, steps analysts say are likely paving the way for President Xi Jinping’s anticipated continuation in power.

The fifth plenum of the CCP Central Committee adopted a decision focused on “advancing full and rigorous governance of the party,” with an emphasis on reducing corruption among party officials. While official statements did not elaborate on specific measures, the move is seen as part of Xi’s ongoing campaign to consolidate control within the party ahead of the 21st Party Congress scheduled for next year.

The Central Committee, which comprises roughly 300 top party officials, has historically served as a platform for Xi to strengthen his authority. This year’s plenum followed that pattern, addressing what it described as weaknesses in party governance. The official readout acknowledged that governance had grown “lax, superficial and ineffective,” and pledged to “turn the knife inwards” by applying stricter discipline to eliminate “serious hidden dangers” within the party, state structures, and armed forces.

Since taking power, Xi has led an extensive anti-corruption drive spanning 14 years, which has removed thousands of officials, including several Central Committee members. Despite these efforts, frustrations persist over officials who do not fully implement his directives. This year’s plenum had the lowest attendance since the death of Mao Zedong in 1976, with eight seats on the Central Committee vacant prior to the meeting. Some positions were, however, filled during the session.

Among notable personnel changes, Zhang Shengmin, the party’s anti-corruption chief and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), was promoted to the Politburo, increasing that body’s membership to 22. The CMC, which oversees the country’s armed forces, has seen significant turnover under Xi’s anti-corruption campaign, including the removal of five of its seven members. In August, Zhang Youxia, formerly the highest-ranking general, was removed following a graft investigation, leaving the commission with only Xi and Zhang Shengmin as members.

Observers interpret the selective filling of vacancies within the CMC and Central Committee as a careful vetting process by Xi, intended to ensure loyalty among those elevated to key positions. Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute, said the plenum appears to be a preparatory step to facilitate Xi’s smooth transition to a likely unprecedented fourth term as party leader.

Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore noted that the focus on discipline signals Xi’s prioritization of control and stability within the party, potentially limiting scope for leadership renewal and transition in the near term.

Xi, who will be 74 next year, is expected to secure another term at the upcoming congress, continuing the trajectory of his extended and tightly managed rule over China’s political landscape.