James Stent is author of "China's Banking Transformation: The Untold Story" and a former director of China Everbright Bank.
Xi's change of course a tactical retreat rather than an embrace of pragmatism

Xi Jinping after his speech at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct. 23: No one can challenge the Chinese leader. © Reuters
James Stent is author of "China's Banking Transformation: The Untold Story" and a former director of China Everbright Bank.