I think it comes down to whatever makes someone succeed within the CCP. All organizations eventually become led by people who do whatever action gains power within that organization. Then they continue doing whatever that is, because the organization selects for it.
Whatever Xi believes and whatever the nominal goals of the CCP are don't really matter in the long run. Did Xi succeed in making an organization where advancing the cause of communism makes you gain power within the organization? Are other people that do this a threat to your own career? It's harder than just believing in the right things.
I think it comes down to whatever makes someone succeed within the CCP. All organizations eventually become led by people who do whatever action gains power within that organization. Then they continue doing whatever that is, because the organization selects for it.
Whatever Xi believes and whatever the nominal goals of the CCP are don't really matter in the long run. Did Xi succeed in making an organization where advancing the cause of communism makes you gain power within the organization? Are other people that do this a threat to your own career? It's harder than just believing in the right things.