China's Communist Party orders tighter oversight of officials' families and online activity

Resolution admits lingering impurities

The Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party has published a framework resolution adopted after its fifth plenum, a document that acknowledges 'impurities' in the party's ideology, organisation and conduct. Xinhua released the text on Sunday, 1 November, and the Central Committee had adopted it on 29 October. According to Europa Press, the leadership under Xi Jinping says the mass membership remains broadly sound, but structural faults threaten the party's cohesion. The resolution names gaps in political conviction among some cadres, along with favouritism, sectarianism, hedonism and abuse of power that have 'not been resolved at the root'. Xi's explanatory speech, released the same day, said the party must keep cleansing itself to preserve its character. He also said problems still threaten its ability to stay in power over the long term, while new challenges keep emerging.

Tighter checks on officials' families and assets

Officials whose family assets and spending clearly exceed their normal income are to be investigated, according to the resolution as published by Xinhua. Business dealings of spouses and children will face closer monitoring, and the controls are to start with senior officials and apply across their entire careers. Side jobs and career changes after leaving office will also be watched, as will retired officials. The aim is to stop members from escaping punishment by resigning or retiring early.

Online conduct, crypto and promotions

The resolution promises better regulation of party members' online behaviour and deeper inquiries into officials' social relationships. Corruption carried out through cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology and cross-border fund transfers is to be pursued more forcefully. A digital platform for disciplinary investigations and a system for analysing large volumes of data are to be deployed. Promotions face tougher screening: personnel files and personal backgrounds will be checked, former workplaces consulted, and the party and disciplinary officials who sign off on a candidate's assessment will be held responsible if they promote people despite known violations. The document also bans arrangements over appointments and promises action against purchased posts, nepotism and bribery in intra-party elections.

Zhang Shengmin and the plenum

The plenum also elevated Zhang Shengmin, a general and former head of the military body that fights corruption, to the Politburo. Europa Press describes the change as the first of its kind in three decades. The meeting ran from Monday to Thursday behind closed doors in Beijing under tight security, and the decision was adopted on 29 October. Reports say 162 full members and 117 alternate members attended, few of the more than 300 members of the Central Committee.

Full members162

Alternate members117

Full members

162 members

Alternate members

117 members

Data from the article text

Sueddeutsche Zeitung, citing estimates, puts attendance at about three quarters of the original committee members. It links the thinning ranks to the wide anti-corruption campaign in which many politicians and military personnel lost their posts. The newspaper says the gathering gave Xi a chance to strengthen his authority before an expected fourth term next year.