Hi Bill,

In response to your first question: this article written by a Shanghai based political scientist outlines how Xi has fostered a greater sense of security amongst the nation and himself vis-a-vis COVID.

Xi Jinping Is a 'Good Emperor' https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/05/14/xi-jinping-good-emperor-coronavirus/

On a seperate note, I am concerned that the U.S. may be leveraging Taiwan in the name of political ideology against China. The U.S. needs to be cautious regarding their advocacy for Taiwan’s freedom of liberal democracy. Whilst it is important to uphold such freedoms, a miscalculation will ultimately have immediate effects on Taiwan more than it will the U.S.