Xi stance does not equal to China stance. The country is now divided but Xi still has an edge due to his control over the military.
It used to be collective leadership but Xi took care of it with Chairman of everything.
Xi was under pressure to transfer the President position to Li KQ a few months ago, but he survived that.
2 former prime minister Wen and Zhu has openly criticize Xi. Li stepping out of Xi shadow openly challenging 0 covid and concentrate to rescue the economic mess cause by dynamic 0 covid. Also protest across China, especially Shanghai and Beijing.
It all leads to the 20th National congress. Xi just lost 2 of his deputies for the PM position.
Xi with his control over the military organized with Russia 6 bomber fly by Japan during the quad meeting. Xi stance is to tie himself with Putin Russia to protect his position from the opposite faction, whom are using the tanking economy as their justification. Xi aligning with Russia cuts off European and US market effectively tanking the economy.
Since China CPC history from Mao GLF, it has never been about China interest, this is just plain noob of people not understanding China. It is the interest of the Chairman to consolidate his power and position never mind the Chinese people suffering.
Below from global times for what Li has never done ever, for someone who is going to step down.
Quote:
China holds unprecedented meeting on stabilizing economy with focus on policy implementation
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202205/1266575.shtml