Taiwan-China Relations

Scholars: Xi Consolidates Power as Purges Continues at China’s Fifth Plenum

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By Alex Chen/Lery Hiciano

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Scholars in Taipei are assessing the implications of China’s Fifth Plenum, which saw the ruling Communist Party focus on governance, corruption and leadership. Attendance figures indicate that 33 senior officials, including 16 military members, were purged, while roughly a quarter of Central Committee members were absent. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council warns that Beijing’s growing centralization of power could heighten cross-strait tension.

China’s Fifth Plenum: Power Consolidation and Increased Tensions

REPORTER:  
The Fifth Plenum of the 20th Central Committee — one of the most important events on the Chinese political calendar — has wrapped up in Beijing.

This year's event focused on internal governance, corruption, and possibly laying the groundwork for another term for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Meanwhile, in Taiwan, the Mainland Affairs Council, which handles ties with China, warns that the further centralization of power in Beijing could heighten tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Shen Yu-chung (DEPUTY MINISTER, MAINLAND AFFAIRS COUNCIL):  
As internal governance risks within the Chinese Communist Party increase, Beijing may adopt more aggressive measures towards Taiwan. During this period, they have repeatedly emphasized “governance before unification” and we must remain seriously vigilant against the strategic threat behind it.

REPORTER:  
Attendance data from this year's plenum confirms that 33 senior officials — including 16 military members — were purged from the party.

And, of the 376 Central Committee members appointed in 2022, only 279 attended – meaning about a quarter were missing.

While some observers note that the purge could make China less prepared for war, others say it could make remaining officials less willing to oppose a cross-strait conflict.

Chen Chien-fu (ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, TAMKANG UNIVERSITY):  
To demonstrate political loyalty, [some mid-level officials] might propose or accept instructions from Xi Jinping to initiate further offensive action against Taiwan. We must also keep a close watch. We also need to watch closely to see whether they will carry out military provocations in the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea either to boost their standing or at Xi Jinping's behest.

REPORTER:  
As Beijing reshuffles its top military ranks, experts and decisionmakers worldwide will be closely watching Xi's consolidation of power. This may prove especially true ahead of the APEC 2026 meeting in Shenzhen, China, and another possible high-level meeting between Xi and US President Donald Trump.