2020 will probably go down as the year China abandoned – once and for all – Deng Xiaoping’s advice of “Hide your strength, Bide your time”. Xinjiang, Hong Kong, “Lone Wolf” diplomacy, the disappearance of Jack Ma – all show President Xi’s determination to bolster CCP’s hold at home and influence abroad despite international scrutiny. Meanwhile, the investment deal with the EU has acquired conflicting interpretations.