So were they saying “Russia Russia Russia” to hide the fact that it was China the whole time?
The deep state has been in collusion with China for decades.
China calls it "capture the elite".
It is a strategy to capture a country without a shooting war.
Subvert the ruling class of the other country with bribes, honey traps and such, and have them do your bidding.
Much cheaper than war.
It requires a willing, corrupt ruling class, which describes our ruling class in the USA, especially with the Media included.