Saving face is ingrained in Chinese culture even in leaders of the CCP. Outwardly he may not care but if he lost face in the view of the Chinese citizens then he’d have to worry about being booted out of office or a citizen uprising due to his losing face. The collapse of the 3G dam would do it IMO. He fears unrest in China, ala Tianamenn Square or the fall of the Berlin Wall, more than anything else.
One thing going in his favor is the fact that Chinese culture has always been one of Emperors and dictators with the populace being subjects with no desire or understanding of true individuality nor freedom.
In my opinion “saving face” is a racist term. You think they care? It is BS. You excuse it by just mentioning it.
“Oooh, I donawanna fail., must save face and ass.”
Bull shine.