As the Chinese Communist Party publicly enforced political discipline within its ranks at its annual party gathering this week, independent religious organizations continue to experience ever-tightening restrictions on their activities. China’s 20th Central Committee concluded its fifth plenary session on Oct. 29, adopting a resolution to advance what the party calls “full and rigorous party self-governance.” The meeting also confirmed the expulsion of dozens of officials for alleged disciplinary and legal violations, underscoring the leadership’s emphasis on political discipline and the implementation of party directives.