China's purge widens as Xi tightens control

Leaders expelled from the Communist Party

33 leaders, 16 of them senior officers

The Communist Party's fifth plenum ended with the expulsion of 33 leaders, 16 of them senior military officers, among them General Zhang Youxia.

The Central Military Commission, which had seven members at the start of this term, is now down to Xi and Zhang Shengmin, the military's discipline chief. Zhang joins the Politburo.

Analysts say the anti-corruption drive now targets disloyalty, and that fear of missteps may feed the government paralysis Beijing says it wants to fight. A fourth term for Xi is expected at next year's party congress.

And us?

Analysts warn a risk-averse Chinese leadership could complicate trade and scientific cooperation with countries such as Canada.