Xi’s pledge to ‘uproot sick trees’ aired weeks ahead of major party conclave

Chinese leader’s speech to corruption watchdog contains a series of blunt warnings to the ruling Communist Party

The speech contained a series of blunt warnings to the party.

“The fight against corruption is a major battle that we cannot afford to lose and must never lose. We cannot stop for a moment or retreat even half a step … [We must] uproot or cut down ‘sick trees’ wherever necessary,” Xi said.