Chinese president expels 33 top figures from party: 'Sick trees'

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held a significant plenum, marking a record exclusion of 33 high-ranking members. This indicates President Xi Jinping's increasing selectivity in leadership. Notably, Zhang Youxia was expelled amid a corruption investigation, while Zhang Shengmin was promoted to the Politburo. The plenum emphasized the need for officials with strong political conviction and discipline, reflecting Xi's ongoing anti-corruption campaign. Historically, purges have been a part of Chinese politics, affecting even Xi's family members.