The Communist Party has always been obsessed with control. But under President Xi Jinping that obsession has deepened. After three decades of opening and reform under previous leaders, China has in many ways become more closed and autocratic under Mr Xi. Surveillance has broadened. Party cells flex their muscles in private firms. Preserving the party’s grip on power trumps any other consideration. This is evident in Mr Xi’s response to covid-19. China’s initial lockdown saved many lives. Do you think that over control in china will weaken Chinese economy ?

