Which is the eastern version of not getting embarrassment or humiliation in other words.
The western world does not have the same concept as the Oriental Culture of Saving FACE as a total cultural OBSESSION.
Westerners at all levels are perfectly willing to make fools of themselves to no end. From the poorest to the wealthiest. We see it every day.
But, in the Oriental Culture to appear dignified is an obsession. And, as I stated earlier, the higher up the chain you are this need becomes exponential.
And, Xi is at the top of his food chain. So, he is pulling out all the stops to divert any negative association with this virus to His China.