I am nSC, but I don't think that Xi and Mussolini have very much in common.

Mussolini was a political (and sexual) adventurist; Xi is a cautious practitioner of realpolitik. Despite their superficially common nationalism, Xi choreographs public opinion; Mussolini's ego was unleashed by adulation and it led to military disaster.

Xi's brand of Chinese nationalism enforces an anti-western puritanism, a cultural revivification of Confucianism, and loyalty to the aphorisms of an emperor/leader (Mao/Deng/Xi). His Marxism (Socialism with Chinese Characteristics) translates to a partially state-controlled economy in strategic sectors (SOEs), and a "free" market economy in other sectors (though recent developments show that the demarcation of sectors can change)--all overseen by an authoritarian party co-opted from "the people" and operating on their behalf (especially their economic well-being).

Xi knows which neighboring countries China can confront militarily and which foreign countries it can intimidate (or incentivise?) economically, but he hesitates to directly confront international power. China has achieved too much prosperity to risk in a global international conflict.

I doubt Xi contemplates a military adventure in Taiwan. I do think he is conducting a holding action by threatening Taiwan in order to avoid independence. The main danger, I suspect, is not China's intentions, but mutual misunderstandings which force the CCP to live up to its bellicose rhetoric.

Here (once again) is an assessment of Xi (pre-CCP-Chairmanship, in 2009) by the CIA:

https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/09BEIJING3128_a.html