Xi Jinping's entrenched control over the Chinese Communist Party drives the 95.5% trader consensus that he will remain in power through at least 2027. At age 73, he shows no signs of stepping down ahead of the 21st Party Congress scheduled for late 2027, where analysts across reporting expect him to secure a fourth term extending his rule. Ongoing purges of military and civilian officials since 2025 have reinforced rather than eroded his authority, while recent appointments such as Cai Qi to key party roles signal preparations for continuity under his leadership. Succession discussions focus on post-2027 or even 2032 timelines. Realistic shifts could still arise from a sudden health event, major undisclosed scandal, or abrupt elite realignment before the congress, though no such developments have materialized in recent months.