I think the key difference is that Xi has a very strong vision for China and is actually practicing what he preaches; enriching the nation rather than enriching himself. Like a strict father, head of the family.
While the debacle that is the US government is all about enriching themselves and their associates rather than the nation. Like goblins in a mine.
That's less a consequence of specific individuals in power and more the systems at play that lead to differences between those in power. "Great Man Theory" largely takes away from actual Materialist analysis.