This feels like an op to me. The timing is uncanny. If this story develops, I predict some escalation of current conflicts with some advanced weaponry (chemical, biological, nuclear, energy, space-based, etc) and the alien story to be used as cover.
Alternatively, it’s a continuation of reactionary mobilization propaganda. Thought?
I was thinking along the lines of that they got their hands on secret socialist technology (with chinese characteristics) that is too advanced for western experts to comprehend so they came to the conclusion that it must be aliens.