Xi Prepares China for ‘Extreme’ Scenarios, Including Conflict with the West

It is difficult to tell what is just bluster and what the PRC is really planning to do. I wouldn't listen to their words very closely (doesn't Xi say similar things every year?), rather pay attention to their actions.

Chinese people really enjoy their peace dividend, and I don't think Xi's popularity would last anything that threatened that. On the other hand, there are hard liners/true believers to appease.

What's worst is that creating & entering external problems/situations - starting conflicts - could be a way to keep political control as the domestic situation keeps degrading.

"Eat Bitterness". "Take off the long gown." The Party's messaging to it's people has been extremely stark & sad, and all too reflective of where the country is. China is in a tough tough spot, their economy is really struggling to support their people & to provide basic opportunity. Their domestic scenario is heading towards extremes.

Pulling a Putin & starting shit in the world is one way to whip people into line. An expensive in every way means to make demand, create some opportunity for citizens & soldiers. And like Putin, with an aging population, there's a candle burning; waiting around to exercise war-making is not a great option.