I think the initial release of the virus was an accident and the CCP freaked out and overreacted on their response, not certain how deadly the strain was that had escaped. As they realized it was controllable, they re-opened rather quickly - but didnt bother sharing details about the viruss true lethality with the world (Trump has complained about this very point) and let the West engage in a vast collective freakout.
They may have hoped to profit from the overreaction, but the abysmal relationship they now have with the rest of the world probably wasnt what they had in mind. They desperately need Trump out of the way and the Deep State operatives re-empowered, or they are facing a decades-long setback.
About ten million US households have refused to pay rent despite massive federal help.
The CCP was likely aware their lockdown approach would weaken the Chinese economy. The real reason for the lockdowns was to end a growing dissident movement.