China's grand dictator Xi Jinping, that old geezer, has been scurrying around everywhere lately, popping up in public from the APEC summit to the deck of an aircraft carrier, and even at the opening ceremony of sports events—practically plastering his face right up against every camera lens.

Whether he's showing his face or baring his ass, what's the point?

Amid the current domestic chaos, showing his face is just a facade of confidence, while baring his ass reveals the awkward desperation of being backed into a corner.

He's swearing up and down that power is firmly in his hands, yet it exposes his inner weakness.

Truly secure power doesn't need such exhausting self-justification, does it?