[chillacy]

I didn’t read optimism at all. Look at the very next line after that quote.

> The party appears to enjoy broad public support, and many around the world are convinced that Mr. Trump’s America is in retreat while China’s moment is just beginning.

> Then again, China has a way of defying expectations.

In other words: China seems to be doing well but then again they could totally fail

The author is clearly uncertain of China’s future, not too bearish but clearly not bullish either. He even makes reference to Xi’s crackdowns and return to autocracy as being troubling signs, not sure signs of success.