“They can absorb by planting sympathetic agents in as many places as possible”
Just like here.
I thought the same before I even got to your comment.
Xi is dangerous because he is impatient. Prior to his power play and coronation as emperor, China played for the long game with long-term plans for the ascension of the CCP regardless of who was the front man.
This has all changed and tensions are rising. Xi has put his ego above the state.