I disagree with limiting this kind of criticism to the Communist party of China.
During the Qing dynasty’s fall due to corruption and internal strife, the Chinese military practically ignored the English conquests of its coasts and signed peace treaties with them and every western colonialist plunderer.
Why? Because sovereign unity is more important (White lotus + Boxer rebellions).
When chang Kai shek and Mao had a choice to unite against the Japanese or continue fighting against each other, they let Japan stretch it’s whole army thin across their entire coast.
Why? Because China had no sovereign to be united under (Warlord era following the Qing).
China worries first and foremost about sovereign unity and stability. Taiwan is considered a slight to their sovereignty.
All I’m seeing here is China being China.
EDIT: I’m not saying it is jolly good fun, I’m just saying it is not unique to China to care more about government stability then the people, or other events.