China warns against ‘do-nothing’ officials ahead of 2027 leadership reshuffle

Chinese state media have warned the Communist Party to be vigilant against officials who “do nothing but wait for a power transition” – a clear reference to next year’s national party congress.The China Organisation and Personnel News, affiliated with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, published a commentary on Friday titled “Preventing Officials from Sitting Around and Doing Nothing but Waiting for a Power Transition”.It cited a communique issued after the fifth plenary session of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), held earlier this month, which said the anti-corruption watchdog would “resolutely correct” such behaviour.The five-year term of the Central Committee, the party’s highest political-executive organ, is expected to end next autumn at the 21st national congress.Held every five years, the party congress convenes to appoint a new Central Committee and often ushers in major leadership reshuffles.Meanwhile, officials at all levels have become increasingly risk-averse as the party tightens its grip on discipline amid a sweeping anti-corruption campaign.