Some mid-tier officer, Colonel or Brigadier General, decided that Xi really did want a military success to brag about so they approved it without checking with higher authority, i.e. Xi.
Given the way some here in the US are still reacting to this they, the PRC, probably still think it was a success.
Fine by me. Show the enemy what they want or expect to see.
SpyNavy
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)