China’s ruling Communist Party opened its four-day fifth plenum in Beijing on Monday, Oct. 26, in a closed-door meeting focused on internal discipline and party governance ahead of next year’s party congress.
The session is scheduled to continue through Thursday. It brings together the party’s Central Committee, one of its main decision-making bodies. At the opening, President Xi Jinping delivered a work report, state media reported.
State media also said he explained a draft decision on major issues in how the party governs itself. The meeting’s focus differs from the usual pattern for a fifth plenum. At last year’s fourth plenum, the party discussed recommendations for its 2026–2030 five-year plan.
That left governance and discipline as prominent issues on this agenda. The discussions take place while Xi continues an anti-corruption campaign that has lasted for years. He is also pressing officials to follow party rules and directives.
Analysts are watching for signs of how the leadership plans to strengthen oversight. They are also watching how leaders plan to prepare for the 2027 party congress. Senior ranks are expected to be reshaped at the congress.
As the meeting begins, details of the discussions remain uncertain. It is also unclear whether any decisions on personnel will be made.