It appears we have differing viewpoints. While you suggest that Xi's actions indicate irrational behavior, I would argue that we should take a more nuanced view. In my opinion, the rise of China as a global power is a reality that Western nations need to come to terms with, rather than seeking less plausible explanations to rationalize the situation.

I believe it's essential to acknowledge that the public perception of governing systems can differ significantly from their inner workings. If we are to engage in a meaningful discussion, recognizing these complexities is pretty important.

Finally, I'd urge you to reconsider your existing political frameworks when analyzing China. The nation presents a unique cast that may not fit into conventional molds, and I believe that relying on such older models could potentially lead to misunderstanding the situation at hand.