Xi Jinping's Stepping Stone to Fourth Term? China Strips Party Membership from 33 Top Officials

The Chinese Communist Party finalized the revocation of party membership for 33 high-ranking officials, including former Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia, during the 5th Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee.

Formerly considered the "No. 2 figure in the Chinese military," former Vice Chairman Zhang was identified as a central figure among factions opposed to President Xi Jinping in rumors regarding Xi's potential downfall that surfaced last year through some overseas dissident media outlets.

This move is interpreted as an effort to tighten internal party control and consolidate the power base ahead of next year's party congress, where a potential fourth term for President Xi will be decided.

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