I think it's more interesting that according to Pew Research we still haven't recovered to 2018 levels. The CIA worked real hard on this one.
Linked within was this article which was also interesting, though older: What different survey modes and question types can tell us about Americans’ views of China - Pew Research Center
also this wasn't supposed to be a crosspost im bad at this game
In hindsight, I think the real impetus for this was the "Pivot to Asia" policy which was developing through the second half of the Obama years, ultimately leading up the failed TPP initiative. After that fell through and Trump entered the White House, the laser focus on China was diffused by the Trump administration starting petty bullshit with all of the US's Western allies, throwing a united Western front against China into doubt during those crucial years.