Part 2/15:

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly intensified these tensions. Initially, President Trump downplayed the virus, describing it as not serious, but the situation quickly spiraled out of control, placing the U.S. at the forefront of global infections. Trump began to use China as a convenient scapegoat, accusing Beijing of mishandling the outbreak and withholding information. As the crisis deepened, the rhetoric from Washington grew harsher, framing the pandemic within the context of broader strategic rivalry.