Thu Oct 23 09:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Xi Jinping Remains in Power Amidst Purge at Fourth Plenum
Beijing, China – October 23, 2025 – The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) concluded its highly anticipated 20th Central Committee Fourth Plenum today, revealing a significant shakeup within its ranks but confirming that Xi Jinping remains in his position as party leader. While rumors of a potential power shift circulated widely, the official communique released by Xinhua News Agency confirmed that Xi retained his post.
The plenum saw the approval of the “15th Five-Year Plan” recommendations and the elevation of eleven alternate members to full members of the Central Committee: Yu Huiwen, Ma Hancheng, Wang Jian, Wang Xi, Wang Yonghong, Wang Tingkai, Wang Xinwei, Wei Tao, Deng Yiwu, Deng Xiuming, and Lu Hong.
However, the most striking aspect of the plenum was the large-scale purge of high-ranking officials. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) presented reports on the “serious violations of discipline and law” of Tang Renjian, Jin Xiangjun, Li Shisong, Yang Fason, and Zhu Zhisong. Similarly, the Central Military Commission (CMC) reported on “serious violations of discipline and law” involving He Weidong, Miao Hua, He Hongjun, Wang Xiubin, Lin Xiangyang, Qin Shutong, Yuan Huazhi, Wang Chunning, and Zhang Fengzhong. All thirteen individuals were subsequently expelled from the party.
These expulsions, confirmed retroactively from decisions previously made by the Politburo, have been interpreted by analysts as a sign of intense factional struggles within the CCP.
“This indicates that the CCP’s internal power struggles are ongoing,” commented current affairs commentator Li Lin of The Epoch Times. “The Xi faction and the anti-Xi faction have not yet fully confronted each other. The power struggle could further escalate leading up to the 21st National Congress. The large-scale purge of the Central Committee shows that this regime is facing an unprecedented crisis.”
The full text of the “15th Five-Year Plan” recommendations and Xi Jinping’s explanation of the “meeting decisions” are expected to be released in the coming days. The complete “15th Five-Year Plan” will then be formally adopted at the National People’s Congress in March 2026.
Taiwanese scholar Wu Se-chih recently argued in the Taiwanese media outlet Newtalk that the CCP’s internal strife, coupled with economic instability, could render the “15th Five-Year Plan” largely symbolic. He anticipates that post-plenum, China will experience increased internal friction and stagnation.
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