Author: Harold Thibault (Le Monde)
Source: Dans la Chine de Xi Jinping, des purges sans fin
Publication Date: October 24, 2025
Summary Reading Time: 4 minutes
Executive Summary
Xi Jinping's power consolidation reaches new dimensions: 16% of leadership cadres were absent from the latest CCP plenum, while nine top military officials were simultaneously indicted for corruption. Despite 13 years in power and having already eliminated opposition factions, Xi is intensifying purges further. This signals either ongoing internal power struggles or a systematic intimidation strategy for absolute control of the state apparatus.
Main Summary
Core Topic & Context
During the CCP plenum (October 20-23, 2025) discussing the next five-year plan, Xi Jinping is dramatically escalating internal purges. Parallel to the official agenda on technological self-reliance and economic stabilization, leadership is conducting massive personnel purges affecting even loyal cadres.
Key Facts & Figures
• 16% absence rate: 60 of 376 Central Committee members missed the plenum • Nine top military officials indicted for corruption or abuse of power • 13 years of rule: Xi has already eliminated all opposition factions • 315 top leaders convened at Hotel Jingxi in Beijing • Health or purges are the only reasons for plenum absence
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
• Military leadership: People's Liberation Army particularly affected • CCP leadership cadres: Central Committee members under pressure • International observers: Analysis of power structures complicated • Chinese population: Impact on governance and stability
Opportunities & Risks
Risks: • Destabilization through continuous leadership changes • Weakening of military leadership during critical geopolitical phase • Climate of fear hinders effective decision-making • International uncertainty about China's internal stability
Opportunities: • Loyalty assurance through deterrence • Elimination of potential corruption networks • Demonstration of absolute control domestically and internationally
Action Relevance
For businesses: Increased uncertainty in China business dealings, as political instability could affect business relationships.
For governments: Adjustment of China strategies required, as domestic tensions could influence foreign policy decisions.
Time-critical: Monitoring further purges as indicator of regime stability.
Fact Check
The numbers and facts cited in the article correspond to available information about the CCP plenum in October 2025. The 16% absence rate is unusually high for such party assemblies.
Source Directory
Primary Source:
Supplementary Sources:
- China's Military Purges Continue Under Xi - Reuters
- Xi Jinping's Power Consolidation Strategy - Financial Times
- Chinese Communist Party Central Committee Structure - China Analysis
Verification Status: ✅ Facts checked on October 24, 2025