I think China is so smart because they thought it would create a pandemic that collapse in other rich countries. They know how can they survive the virus they are created, so they can rise quickly and when that happens they will surely reign.
During the world in the lockdown time China was open and their economy is running in normal phase while the world is shut short of. They have really done well to contain the virus . Though they may have to face the consequence on future if known that it was spread purposely and other countries may stop importing from China and will move to other countries .
China is a very powerful country I don't think imports and exports will stop China will not be able to rule the world as the king of the economy but if China's neighbouring countries continue to import and export with them, then if imports are stopped it will affect their trade and the situation will get worse.