Not since the sixties has the mind of one man been so critical to China’s political direction. In the wake of grumblings over lockdowns and the zero-Covid policy’s impact on the economy, rumors have swirled about a split between Li Keqiang and Xi Jinping. These are likely unfounded – there is little indication that Xi’s grip has loosened, and nor does there appear to be any credible alternative to his power, given the consolidation of clout and the network of patronage he has assembled.