No, I actually think "our guys" (for as far there is one voice about this) have been far too naive about China.
I have lived long enough in China and know enough Chinese people in and outside of China to have a fairly good idea about Chinese censorship and propaganda. It's nothing compared to what we have here.
Demonization of the opponent is a thing as old as warfare.
While there are things that are wrong in China, there were waves of anti-China hysteria in the west. To find out cui bono I will leave for you.