Xi Jinping’s continued dominance of the Chinese Communist Party, reinforced by extensive purges of senior military and party officials through mid-2026, underpins the strong trader consensus against his removal before 2027. These actions, including investigations of Central Military Commission members and dozens of Central Committee figures, have eliminated potential rivals while signaling sustained control ahead of the 21st Party Congress. No public challenges or health disclosures have altered this pattern, and succession planning remains deferred. Realistic shifts could still arise from an unforeseen medical event, abrupt elite realignment, or major policy failure that erodes loyalty networks before the congress convenes.