According to the Party Constitution, the CPC National Congress is held every five years, at which the Party's Central Committee is elected. The Constitution states that plenary sessions should be held at least once a year, but doesn't specify the total number to be held between meetings of the CPC Congress. Since 1992, seven plenums have been held between each congress.

The First Plenary Session

This is usually held immediately after the National Congress. The newly elected CPC Central Committee elects the Political Bureau, its standing committee and general secretary.