Xi's growing paranoia and secrecy are signs of just how badly China's economy is doing

• Under Xi Jinping's rule, China's economy has slowed after decades of growth. 
• This week, Xi decided to cancel an annual press conference with Premier Li Qiang.
• Analysts believe this was an attempt by Xi to avoid revealing the depth of China's troubles.

In the opaque world of Chinese politics, subtle signals can reveal important shifts in mood.

One of those signals emerged this week when, in a surprise move, China's leader Xi Jinping decided to cancel an annual press conference with Premier Li Qiang.

The press conference was meant to be held during the "Two Sessions" summit, where officials from across China gather to project an image of the unity and strength of the ruling Communist Party.