The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee , which began on October 20, became a decisive moment for Xi Jinping’s leadership. Contrary to outside speculation about succession, Xi instead put forward long-term goals: the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) and the ambition to elevate China to a “moderately advanced” nation by 2035. In doing so, he signaled his intent for a de facto fourth term, showing determination to personally see these projects through. Yet the r