How is it possible China only has 85k covid cases?

You cannot  believe a single  word as truth, issued  by the Chinese  Govt.Their  system is TOTALLY  corrupt, immoral  and  unethical!!! There are pics available taken  from  satellites that show huge  mass graves  with  lines of  trucks  lining the  route  to the grave  sites!!  Their  stated  numbers  are a total  fabrication.

strong control of population early on.

China is a country of highly skilled and passionate people. They love their country and accept government policy religiously.  They have built the hospital within a matter of a few days that has the ability to take care of 10,000 patients in one go. The same goes for various Cities. One of the world's biggest economies is still not fully open to Visitors. They are making every effort to decrease this virus and its only matter of time when they would win this game with having proper vaccine built. 

I am from China, I can tell you it is true. When the government  told us to stay at home, put on a mask when go to the public, billions chinese do obey the order.

it is, but likely a little more. Their strong control did get the virus stopped.

Because that's what the king of China SAYS they have............

When the Chinese government makes an order, people obey.

They built new temporary hospitals in a very short time and contained the disease.

In the USA, the government orders were often either ignored or caused riots; the disease was spread faster rather than contained, due to people's idiotic behaviour.

Efficient lock-downs, probably.