US Department of Transportation says move aims to address ‘competitive disparity’ between American and Chinese carriers.

“Free market.”

if it were me I would simply not betray my prior agreements by engaging in relentless NATO expansion until Russia stops allowing me overflights

Regardless of politics, that would be a major detour and cost the airlines billions in additional fuel costs and perhaps even maintenance issues due to increased takeoff weight. Not to mention the additional harm to the environment.