Xi Jinping enters the midpoint of his third term as China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong. His authority remains unchallenged, and he has given no indication of a succession plan, signalling his intent to rule indefinitely. If something were to happen to him suddenly, China could face political chaos. Despite efforts to forecast a successor, no strong contender has emerged. Many of these figures are Xi loyalists, meaning any transition would likely favour continuity over reform. If no successor is prepared, China may experience one of its periodic political crises when Xi eventually leaves power. His refusal to step down has fuelled concerns that China may enter a prolonged period of autocratic rule. Ultimately, Xi faces a dilemma: announcing a successor too early would weaken his control, while failing to prepare one could destabilize the party. Whether he selects a successor or clings to power, the decisions Xi makes in the coming years will shape China’s political landscape for decades. The decisions he makes will affect China for decades to come.
