Xi Jinping maintains firm control over the Chinese Communist Party and its institutions ahead of the scheduled 21st Party Congress in the second half of 2027, with recent October 2026 plenum proceedings confirming extensive purges that have depleted potential rivals in the Central Committee and Central Military Commission while reinforcing loyalty requirements. State media messaging continues to emphasize unity around his leadership role, and analysts see no procedural or political signals of an early exit before the next leadership cycle. This dynamic underpins the strong trader consensus against removal in the immediate term. Even with such high implied probability, abrupt health developments, an unforeseen internal challenge, or a major external crisis could still alter the outlook before the end of 2026.