These are the actions of a failing hegemon desperate to maintain its former position. If our ~~rulers~~ "leaders" were smart, they'd be going all-in on education and industrial policy, to build up our own capabilities rather than trying to tear down that of our neighbors. They've chosen once again the strategy of a bully, which seems to be all they understand. It will fail to stop China from advancing, it will fail to stop the nation's decline, and it will make them less likely to treat us kindly in the future.

We know from game theory that "nice" strategies which forgive some of the time are more prosperous in the long run to all parties. Where would mankind be right now technologically if the US had chosen after WWII to help everyone build and rebuild, and share their prosperity with others on a continuing basis, instead of greedily subjugating every developing nation, human rights be damned? I can only hope that someday a leader with real power might finally understand this. Most of life is not a zero-sum game, so there's no sense treating it like one.