The Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China (CPC), held in Beijing from Monday to Wednesday, set out key priorities for promoting full and strict self-rule of the Party and vowed to intensively fight corruption during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).
Promoting full and strict self-management of the Party
The meeting stressed that 2026 is also the first year 15th Five Year Plan and the 105th anniversary of the founding CPC, which brings new demands for the enforcement of full and strict self-management of the Party.
The communication document highlighted the need to take more effective measures to remove the conditions that enable corruption to ensure a strong guarantee for the achievement of the goals and objectives 15th Five Year Plan.
Improving the conduct of Party members and tightening discipline must be carried out with persistence and consistency. The emphasis was on long-term efforts against formalism, bureaucracy, hedonism and extravagance.
Unwavering fight against corruption
The meeting stressed the need for an unwavering stance in the fight against corruption, with sustained pressure for enforcement and zero tolerance for misconduct.
Both those who take bribes and those who offer them are being investigated, with a focus on new and hidden forms of corruption. Through a systemic solution, the Party aims to eliminate the conditions and environment that allow the spread of corrupt practices.
The need to improve long-term mechanisms, tighten codes of conduct and increase control of corruption in priority areas was also highlighted. Emphasis was placed on tough control and sanctioning when officials cooperate with business.
Strengthening political oversight
The meeting stressed the need to strengthen political oversight to support the implementation of the strategic objectives.
Strict implementation of political discipline, control over leadership changes and emphasis on eliminating duplication and political inconsistency were emphasized. Political oversight monitors the implementation of key tasks, including the development of a modern industrial system, the building of a single national market, a high level of openness, the promotion of shared prosperity, the protection against poverty, the reduction of local debt risks, environmental protection, and the coordination of development and security.
Tying power to the institutional cage
Another key message is the need to limit the exercise of power by the rules.
Disciplinary control bodies are intended to strengthen rule-based management, improve systems for the administration of power and ensure that authority is exercised strictly according to rules and procedures.
Tackling corruption affecting people's lives
The document also highlighted ongoing efforts to address misconduct and corruption directly affecting the daily lives of citizens, particularly at the local level.
Targeted remediation in areas such as rural property management, funds and resources, health insurance control, and regulation of elder care services were mentioned. Control over the development of high quality agricultural land and regionally specific projects is also important.
The meeting emphasized a tough stance against improper enforcement, including irregular cross-border enforcement and profitable enforcement, in order to protect the legitimate rights of the public and preserve fairness and integrity of governance.
To ensure long-term results, it was recommended that regular mechanisms be put in place to address misconduct and corruption, strengthen the role of districts as the main battleground for local governance, promote public participation in oversight, and increase oversight capacity at the primary level.