China’s Communist Party demands loyalty, leaves Xi succession open

China’s ruling Communist Party ended a key meeting with a call for tighter internal discipline and greater initiative from its members. The session, watched closely for signals on leadership, did not address who might succeed Xi Jinping as party leader. The party appears focused on preventing instability as global tensions rise and China’s economy slows. Internal discipline — a long-standing party priority — was reaffirmed, as expected. The question of succession remains unanswered.