Overview
- Roughly 1,600 delegates are meeting Jan. 19–25 to elect a new Central Committee that will in turn select the Politburo and the general secretary.
- General Secretary To Lam used his opening address to vow annual GDP growth above 10% through 2030, echoing a party draft that targets at least 10% in 2026–2030.
- Lam is widely expected to retain the party’s top job, while a decision on his reported bid to also assume the state presidency is expected at subsequent party meetings.
- Since taking charge in 2024, Lam has cut tens of thousands of public-sector jobs, accelerated infrastructure projects, and recalibrated the anti-corruption drive even as he promises to keep fighting graft.
- The congress is proceeding under tight security with phones reportedly jammed and restricted movement for delegates, while rights groups report intensified arrests and prosecutions of critics in recent weeks.