So, based on the way this has been progressing in the US, Italy and other places, how is it possible that China only had 80,000 cases? Especially since we had prior warning while they had much less. (Even it wasn't taken seriously at first by most). Something just doesn't add up. Even welding shut apartment buildings wouldn't be enough to keep their numbers so low. My suspicion is that the reports that crept out of 10's of thousands dead etc, were probably accurate, and Rachmana Litzlan we should be prepared for much worse than we can than we can imagine. (Especially since it is unlikely that we will be taking measures on the level of China)
While, like you, I do suspect they are lying, there is also the possibility that they are better off controlling the virus than other countries.
First, they are an absolute dictatorship. If they say there is a lockdown, then there is a lockdown. The people listen or suffer the consequences. They aren't giving out shalach manos while the world burns.
Second, obesity in China is far lower than in other places around the world. In Italy, the deaths are almost exclusively in people with preexisting conditions.
While I don't believe them when they say there are NO cases, there is room to believe that they tamped down the virus.