Fears are mounting among major powers that Chinese President Xi Jinping may attempt to bolster his influence in the global arena, as the country's economy could be the only one to soon get back on its feet amid the coronavirus pandemic.
While the outbreak has undermined economic activities worldwide, a deceleration in the number of new infections in China has allowed a large number of companies to resume production, helping to ease a supply shortage at home.
Some pundits warn that China will boost output in the nation and then try to control the flow of key products to other countries, including critical components for advanced technologies, as well as medical goods like face masks and protective suits.