There's so much to unpack in this story. One thing that stands out to me is just how fickle the "rule of law" or treasured documents like constitutions or what have you are in the face of the machinations of the state. The powers that shouldn't be would have us all worship these documents as holy & righteous, the very foundations upon which our free society was built. "Why they hold the " government" back from taking over every aspect of our lives I tells ya'!" or whatever point is helpful to their argument at that time. Actions like those of Xi go to highlight what Lysander Spooner warned us about so very long ago. The "rule of law" or constitution is only as valid or effective in chaining down the state as....nothing... it's of no value what so ever. When the state wants to do or take something from the people that a constitution forbids, it's barely a formality to change it to match their whims. Otherwise, they just ignore it altogether & go about their evil business. All those documents are is links in the chain they place around your neck. "The constitution(American, Chinese, insert country name here)... it has either authorized such a government as we have had, or has been powerless to prevent it. In either case, it is unfit to exist." - Lysander Spooner