[loudmax]

There is a nuanced point to be made for Xi's alleged concern for the welfare of ordinary folk rather than the elite, but that's not it.

If you're feeling generous toward the world's most powerful autocrat, you can extend the benefit of the doubt that perhaps Xi's policies may turn out to benefit China's poorest and the ecology. But there is no doubt that Xi's anti-vax zero-covid policy has inflicted significant damage to the economy of China's middle class.

Xi has also consolidated political power for himself without setting up any form of succession. He's overseen construction of the most advanced surveillance society that has ever existed. The Chinese people enjoy less freedom now than they did twenty years ago. Maybe history will prove him right, but the historical record for these policies aren't encouraging for China.