The Central kingdom would like to invoke the "dagger at the throat" claim by Japan in 1940. They had a point because of embagoes/blockades.
Seems to me that Xi has begun to unravel his economy by attacking his Nepmen (eg Jack Ma) and putting them in the can. The buraucracy looks to Xi's leadership to maintain them in their life of luxury. Trouble is that as the economy unwinds the Chinese working class will be expected to foot the bill.
Taking a leaf out of Andrews playbook Xi chooses to create diversions while whipping up a fervour amongst his automatons.
It's not hard to imagine the humiliation that the Chinese have experienced as a result of all the beatings that they have endured.
