If Xi Jinping’s Zero-COVID Olympic Coronation Fails, His Enemies In Beijing Are Ready

As the Opening Ceremonies get underway in Beijing, most observers say the Chinese state is far stronger than it was 14 years ago: able to bend companies, institutions and governments to its will. In fact, the regime is more fragile than it was in 2008, and Xi is facing internal resistance to his rule. Despite what China-watchers almost universally believe, he might not receive an unprecedented third term as the Chinese Communist Party’s general secretary later this year.

A failed Games would almost certainly quash his chances. That means Xi needs no scandals, no terrorism, no visible protests about Uyghurs or other issues. And most of all, given China’s role in unleashing the global pandemic, it means Xi’s “zero COVID” strategy must work.

via www.newsweek.com

Well I guess we have to hope for some big mess up in the Olympics. Preferably something that doesn’t get anybody killed.