Xi Jinping’s firm grip on the Chinese Communist Party and military underpins the overwhelming trader consensus against his removal before 2027. Recent purges of senior PLA figures, including Central Military Commission vice chairman Zhang Youxia and Joint Staff Department chief Liu Zhenli in September 2026, have further centralized authority in his hands while eliminating potential rivals. At age 73, Xi shows no signs of stepping aside ahead of the 21st Party Congress expected in late 2027, where analysts anticipate he will secure a fourth term. Health rumors from his September travels remain unconfirmed and have not altered his public schedule or diplomatic engagements. Realistic shifts could stem from a sudden medical event, elite-level power struggle, or unforeseen crisis, though structural barriers and ongoing consolidation make such outcomes improbable in the near term.