Xi Jinping’s position has strengthened through the Chinese Communist Party’s Fifth Plenum in late October 2026, which endorsed record expulsions of 33 Central Committee members, including senior military figures, and recorded historically low attendance while advancing “full and rigorous party self-governance.” These moves, part of an ongoing anti-corruption and discipline campaign, have hollowed out potential rival networks within the Politburo and Central Military Commission, leaving Xi and a small circle of loyalists in command. The plenum also scheduled the 21st Party Congress for the second half of 2027, where trader consensus anticipates Xi securing a fourth term. With no scheduled leadership transition or visible challenges before then, the implied probability of removal remains near-certain. Late-breaking health developments or an unanticipated elite realignment could still alter outcomes before 2027.