China’s fifth plenum: Xi tightens grip on power

China’s fifth plenum has ended with the Communist Party pledging to crack down harder on corruption and demanding absolute loyalty to President Xi Jinping. The meeting, held behind closed doors in Beijing, focused on tightening discipline within the party. Officials announced a new push against “unwritten rules”—informal practices that often lead to graft and backroom deals. The party vowed to punish officials who break these rules as part of its long-running anti-corruption campaign. The plenum also emphasized that loyalty to Xi is the top priority for all members. These decisions signal Xi’s continued effort to consolidate control and ensure strict obedience within the party ranks.