Beijing is doubling down on its battle against corruption as President Xi Jinping issues a stark warning to ensure the success of the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan. Speaking at a key plenary session of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection on January 12, Xi declared that while significant strides were made last year, the fight remains a ‘major struggle’.
Xi emphasized that corruption acts as a severe obstacle to the nation’s development, leaving no safe haven for corrupt officials. He described the next five years as a critical period to lay a solid foundation for socialist modernization and achieve comprehensive progress.
The anti-corruption campaign must advance with greater clarity and resolve, Xi stressed, to provide robust guarantees for meeting the goals of the 15th Five-Year Plan. This plan is set to be adopted at China’s pivotal ‘Two Sessions’ – the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) – later this year, with 2026 marking its inaugural implementation year.
Ensuring economic and social development has become a pressing priority for the discipline commission. As China navigates global challenges, rooting out graft is seen as essential to maintaining stability and driving growth. Xi’s directive signals an intensified crackdown, targeting high-level officials and systemic vulnerabilities alike.
Analysts note that this renewed focus comes amid economic pressures and the need to rebuild public trust. The 15th Plan’s ambitions – from technological self-reliance to green development – demand unwavering governance integrity. Failure to curb corruption could undermine these objectives, potentially leading to widespread repercussions.
Xi’s speech underscores the Communist Party’s unyielding commitment to self-reform. By framing anti-corruption as a cornerstone of national rejuvenation, Beijing aims to fortify its leadership for the decade ahead. As the Two Sessions approach, all eyes are on how these words translate into action.