If I was the Chinacoms and I wanted to weaken the west, here's how I would do it:
- Create a bio-weapon that mainly targets older people in 'leadership' positions
- Take control of the World Health Organization with lobbying and funds
- Run a bio-weapon test in a poor and unknown remote area with a catchy name
- Contain the test site and try to suppress evidence and reporting, weld the doors of subject homes if possible
- Kill any and all whistle blowers who may be able to track it to patient 0
- Wheel in mobile incinerators if necessary
- Lie about numbers of infected or dead but release enough numbers so it looks 'serious'
- Create the 'playbook' that others should follow, focusing in on social distancing (do not gather in groups) and self-containment (remain inside at all times)
- Deploy the virus in a few areas that are part of my enemies sphere of influence (both friendly and unfriendly) to see how they respond
- Spread the virus further when their response is inadequate
- Blame my enemy for spreading said virus using their own media channels and personalities if possible
- Slowly administer cures and treatments to my own populace so we recover first
- Watch how the world reels from my virus but offer 'help' (not remotely enough to deal with the crisis but enough to avoid suspicions against me)
- When my enemy is in a weakened state, slowly start acting on my geopolitical goals, attack neighboring countries I've long been in conflict with or dissidents
- Monitor if my enemies are still occupied dealing with their health crisis and not able to respond or paying attention at all
- Start attacking my weakened enemies, either by buying up their assets way below their value or military invasion under the guise of 'humanitarian aid'
- Quickly spread the cure in first conquered territory, further lowering resistance against my hostile take-over
