China sets date for 21st National Congress and updates Politburo

The Communist Party of China's 20th Central Committee Fifth Plenary Session has concluded in Beijing, announcing that the 21st National Congress will be held in the second half of 2027.

During the session, the Central Committee elected Zhang Shengdan, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, to the Politburo. Additionally, ten alternate members were promoted to full members of the Central Committee.

The meeting also addressed party discipline and governance. The committee reviewed disciplinary actions involving 34 individuals for serious violations of law and discipline, including the expulsion of former Politburo member Ma Xingrui and former Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia. The session emphasized strengthening centralized leadership under General Secretary Xi Jinping and promoting comprehensive, strict party governance to ensure political integrity and mission fulfillment.