Xi Jinping's entrenched authority within the Chinese Communist Party, reinforced by ongoing anti-corruption purges and the recent fifth plenum's emphasis on discipline and loyalty, underpins the 96% trader consensus that he will remain in power through 2026. The plenum, held in late October 2026, focused on party self-governance without signaling any succession plans, consistent with expectations that Xi will secure a fourth term at the 2021 Party Congress in fall 2027. Extensive removals from the Central Committee and Central Military Commission have further reduced potential internal opposition. While trader pricing reflects this stability, low-probability shifts could still arise from an abrupt health event, major undisclosed scandal, or sudden elite realignment before the end of the year.