Xi Jinping’s entrenched authority within the Chinese Communist Party, secured through repeated leadership renewals and placement of aligned officials across the Politburo, Central Military Commission, and state institutions, underpins the 95.3% trader consensus that he will remain in power through 2026. Recent 2026 developments, including his active role in the National People’s Congress, New Year policy addresses emphasizing continuity, and diplomatic engagements, show no erosion of control. The absence of designated successors or visible factional challenges further reduces near-term removal risks ahead of the 21st Party Congress. While sudden health developments or unforeseen elite realignments could theoretically alter the trajectory, the centralized appointment system and surveillance mechanisms make such shifts improbable before the market resolution window closes.