Mona Charen, writing in the Bulwark, has a great analysis of this situation, all in the context of the growth of authoritarianism. Here is the best quote that summarizes Xi’s position well:
“Xi is in a bind now. If he relaxes the harsh lockdown measures, many Chinese, lacking either natural immunity or vaccination, will die. If he imports the mRNA shots, he will be admitting that reliance on Sinovac was a failure. If he relents in the face of widespread protests, he will empower the protesters. If he doesn’t bend, the frustration and anger will only grow.”
Mona Charen, writing in the Bulwark, has a great analysis of this situation, all in the context of the growth of authoritarianism. Here is the best quote that summarizes Xi’s position well:
“Xi is in a bind now. If he relaxes the harsh lockdown measures, many Chinese, lacking either natural immunity or vaccination, will die. If he imports the mRNA shots, he will be admitting that reliance on Sinovac was a failure. If he relents in the face of widespread protests, he will empower the protesters. If he doesn’t bend, the frustration and anger will only grow.”
https://www.thebulwark.com/chinas-torment-is-a-reminder-of-what-we-have/