Even though I know it will happen eventually, I am loathe to predict the downfall of Xi and the CCP without hard intel, which I DON'T have access to. I put out updates to inform and NOT to say, "Look how smart I am." I would love to see the raw take on this from the Agency (NSA) but that ain't happening. I'm not sure I would trust CIA.
Xi's problem here is that he has removed anyone capable of challenging him from both the national and provincial CCP leadership. This has created a cult of personality that would have made Mao blush. No one around him is willing to bring him bad news for fear of getting purged.
Since he has removed capable leadership the decisions are all up to him. Running a country bigger than Andorra is beyond the scope of any one person's ability.
This means that decisions are being made by INCAPABLE people mostly doing what they think (guess) Xi would want done. This leads to things like people in hazmat suits and spray wands disinfecting an airport runway during China's COVID lock down.
I will see if I can find enough info on this that I feel confident enough to put out a Broken China Update. Don't hold your breath though.
WWG1WGA
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)