What is the point of Xi Jinping's zero covid policy? It is purely harmful to China. But I think it increases Xi Jinping's power in 2 ways.

First, promoting an insane government policy is an excellent test of loyalty. Anyone who has common sense or is more loyal to China than to Xi Jinping would object to this crazy policy. This allows Xi Jinping to purge anyone who doesn't have blind loyalty to him.

Second, the zero covid policy makes China poor which increases Xi Jinping's power. In a wealthy country, there are many wealthy people and some of them will not be fully under government control. This is a threat to government power. By making China poor, Xi Jinping eliminates all power outside the CCP (Chinese Communist Party). This will make Xi Jinping an absolute ruler like Mao was and like Kim Jong-un is in North Korea.

The only hope for China is that some rich businessman assassinates Xi Jinping. This should be quite possible right now, but it will be increasingly difficult as Xi Jinping increases oppressive control and as businessmen become poorer. A successful China would be good for the world, so I pray for Xi Jinping's death.