This is more of a sign that Xi's level of control over the party is lower than expected after the most recent party congress. Xi spent a lot of time this last 5 years getting rid of people in the Hu and Jiang factions as well as other rivals. The base case for him is that he would be able to appoint a replacement 5 years from now that also continue his work and keep him out of harms way. He now seems less sure of that and most likely want an extra 5 year term of make sure that a coalition of anti-Xi factions could not take power after he moves on.
And what is the difference between these factions, in how it will impact the Chinese people and how it will impact international relations?
