It’s turning out that the CCP make a mistake by sending their virus around the world, and watching if follow in the path of their imperial “belt and road” strategy. Xi is no dummy, and he’s going to ramp up efforts to turn things around in China’s favor.
I think he’s in the middle of making a second, serious mistake by responding aggressively, but he’s probably forced to by internal, domestic political realities.
And a wounded dog is most dangerous when it’s cornered.
I also agree that we are dealing with a desperate leader and country right now (Xi and China). Very dangerous time.