I have no problem whatsoever with China making decisions and choosing strategies that benefit China. That's what a nation is supposed to do. Bravo on them for taking advantage of all the stupid nations who did not push back and champion their own citizens and economies. They have been smart, the west has been stupid.

However, I think we are at a moment in history where western societies have to recognize that their politicians have made one dumb decision after another over many decades and, as a result, caused severe damage to their economies. To the extent that it is possible to try to rebalance and revert some of it, they should do it. If they do not, the outcome will be economic failure and misery the likes of which most have never experienced. Europe and Latin America have lived through various forms of this. The US and Canada have not, at all. Nobody here understands what could happen because it never has.

Those of us who have lived outside the US and have lived some of these scenarios have a sense of urgency regarding this. Because we know what's coming if we don't put a stop to the destruction. While hearing Trump speak generally inspires projectile vomiting, what he and his cabinet are doing with regards to attempting to rebalance international trade is absolutely on point. If the haters would stop to think and understand and, as a result, support the measures for the sake of their survival and that of their children, we might have a shot. Otherwise, well, I have lived this story and it does not end well. My family owned factories in Latin America (Argentina, Chile and Brazil). All was well and good, they employed hundreds of people. Until Chinese imports were allowed. Their business (and those of others in various industries) imploded nearly instantly. There was no hope of any kind to survive the predatory pricing. Good on China for taking advantage of an opportunity. I don't blame them at all. The stupid decision was to lower the barriers to entry. As a result, entire industries were decimated over time. For example, the textile industry, which is one of the industries my parents owned. I can't even tell you how many hundreds of thousands of people lost their jobs.

Other than the legal and intellectual property issues, I have nothing but admiration for what China has been able to achieve on top of the stupidity of other nations over fifty years. It's not on them, it's on everyone else who enabled it. Bravo China! Well done!