Why is Xi Jinping pitting China against the world?

Xi has stifled dissent at home and is increasingly willing for China to assert itself abroad

Earlier this week, Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a rare meeting in Beijing with business leaders. Admitting that the Covid-19 pandemic had a huge impact" on the country's economy, Xi used a Chinese idiom to assure his listeners.

While the green hills last, there will be wood to burn," he said. If we maintain our strategy ... we will find opportunity in crisis and turbulence. The Chinese people will surely prevail over all difficulties and challenges ahead".