The US is not on the weaker side, although China is getting stronger. The US has many strengths institutionally that China lacks.
And yes, all of the tensions, escalations and the steps towards a new Cold War are being stoked single handedly by the US. It makes sense, in order to maintain American primacy, it needs to confront China sooner than later. If the US ignored China, ten years from now, it would be far too late.
Also, China is very much alone. Except for having the backing of Russia, Pakistan and Iran, China is surrounded by enemies and US allies from S. Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, The Philippines, etc.