This is a classic case of common knowledge in game theory, explained here [1] and here [2]. In short, change does not happen until most people believe that eve

This is a classic case of common knowledge in game theory, explained here [1] and here [2]. In short, change does not happen until most people believe that everyone else believes a piece of information (the information becomes common knowledge). That US-China relations were in such a state was, until very recently, something that everyone knew, but not something that everyone knew that everyone else knew as well. Until something becomes common knowledge, no action occurs. Once it becomes common knowledge, the change in everyone's behavior is incredibly rapid. We've had similar "watershed" moments in the past, for example the Vietnam war and #metoo, where public opinion changed, seemingly overnight. So yes, it's absolutely believable and predictable that WSJ et al would be singing the same tune. [1] http://www.gametheory.net/dictionary/commonknowledge.html http://www.gametheory.net/dictionary/commonknowledge.html [2] https://www.epsilontheory.com/harvey-weinstein-common-knowledge-game/ https://www.epsilontheory.com/harvey-weinstein-common-knowle...