China’s fifth plenum: everything you need to know from the war on corruption to promotions

We have put together stories from our coverage of China’s fifth plenum. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. ‘Unwritten rules’ become newest target in Communist Party’s war on corruption

The Communist Party of China has pledged to vigorously crack down on the “unwritten rules” that enable corruption in the party, deepening its long-running campaign to keep officials in line.

2. At China’s fifth plenum, Communist Party puts discipline and loyalty to Xi front and centre

The four-day session cited lavish dining, illicit gifts and vanity projects as state media defends decade-long corruption crackdown.

3. China’s Xi says strict party governance has positive effect, doesn’t choke growth

According to “side notes” released by Xinhua on a document formally approved at the end of the four-day plenary session, Xi emphasised the need to “further raise awareness of the importance and urgency of relentlessly advancing the party’s full and rigorous self-governance”.

4. Are the latest party promotions a sign of a new political trend in China?

Beijing promoted 10 officials to full membership of the Communist Party’s Central Committee at a major political gathering last week, where the normally routine process of filling vacancies took on new significance.

5. China promotes Zhang Shengmin, key player in PLA anti-graft drive, to Politburo

Beijing has promoted General Zhang Shengmin, the key player in the anti-corruption campaign that has cut deep into the military’s top leadership, to its top decision-making body, the Politburo.

6. China’s next generation of leaders waiting in the wings for more senior roles

Last week’s meeting in Beijing laid the groundwork for members of the Communist Party’s seventh generation – or 7G – to take on key roles.