Xi Jinping’s dominant position within the Chinese Communist Party, reinforced by extensive purges of military and civilian officials and the absence of any designated successor, underpins trader expectations that he will remain general secretary through the 2027 Party Congress. The ongoing Fifth Plenum, focused on tightening party discipline and self-governance, signals preparations for policy and personnel continuity rather than transition, consistent with his prior removal of term limits and control over appointments. While the 21st Party Congress is expected to confirm a fourth term, realistic factors that could still shift outcomes include sudden health developments, major internal scandals prompting elite realignment, or unforeseen external crises altering leadership calculations.