Xinhua reported (October 28) that the CCP 19th Central Committee’s Fourth Plenum began on October 28 morning in Beijing. It said “[Xi Jinping] delivered a work report...and explained a draft document of the CPC Central Committee's decision on some major issues concerning how to uphold and improve the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and advance the modernization of China's system and capacity for governance.” Details of the report will not be released until after the plenum ends on October 31. Two officials who reportedly reviewed the draft were cited by Reuters (October 28) as saying "the draft of the communique said the document was largely political and focused on ideological innovation.” Reuters added that: "Policy insiders say the trade war, China’s slowing economy and Hong Kong will be discussed, even if there is no direct mention of them in the final closing communique.” Meanwhile the Wall Street Journal said the 14th Five-Year Plan is also on the agenda and “Leaders will discuss their next five-year economic blueprint.”

(Comment: There have been rumours circulating in Beijing since before the Plenum was announced that there might be two inductions into the PBSC namely, Chen Min'er and Hu Chunhwa. Two vacancies among the Full members of the CC are also likely to be filled.)