Xi Jinping maintains firm control over the Chinese Communist Party and military apparatus ahead of the 21st Party Congress expected in late 2027, where analysts widely anticipate he will secure a fourth term as general secretary. Ongoing anti-corruption purges have reshuffled senior PLA and Central Committee roles, but these moves have reinforced loyalty networks around Xi rather than eroding his authority, with no credible signs of organized opposition or challenges to his leadership. At age 73, Xi has shown no public intent to step aside before the congress, and succession planning remains deferred. Trader consensus at 96% for “No” reflects this entrenched position, though low-probability disruptions such as a sudden health event or unforeseen elite realignment could still alter the timeline before 2027.