Indeed. Lucky for us, his competence is no match for his arrogance. If you look closely behind the scenes, virtually all of his attempts to fix economy and to expand CCP influence by force have failed or backfired or are not going as planned.

From overambitious Belt and Road initiative, to various economic projects that failed, to virus cover up that is starting to backfire, to border disputes and aggression, especially with India, to debt trap strategies in various African countries and in Asia , which backfired etc.

The ego and aggressive methods of being a bully is not enough. For their 100th anniversary CCP had to close off people coming to Beijing from fear of terrorism. That is what a paper tiger that is scared does, not a big red fire breathing dragon. While I don't doubt the arrogant proclamation, I doubt they will succeed. It is more likely they will implode long before they expand worldwide in the way Xi talks.

In recent year and especially months they seem very very afraid, under threat, as the world is turning against them in regards to Taiwan, Virus and even Hong Kong and ugers and criticism over Olympics they want to host. It seems they more scared they are the more arrogantly and aggressively they try to pretend they are far bigger than they are.

As they say; “Humility is the only certain defense against humiliation”

And as you said, they are playing God, Xi in particular. And he is not a God.

@Krunoslav He has been very effective through all the Confucius Institutes in garnering and bribing politicians and state and federal members throughout the US. Far too many international "leaders" are in awe of him and his technocracy. China's seat at all the UN tables has grown in power and effect over the last 10 years. Xi may not be a God, and he may suffer from hubris and overestimation of self and his doctrine, but I sure as hell would never ignore him or his machinations.