It did happen for Japan. >“When governments permit counterfeiting or copying of American products, it is stealing our future, and it is no longer free trade.”

It did happen for Japan. >“When governments permit counterfeiting or copying of American products, it is stealing our future, and it is no longer free trade.” So said US President Ronald Reagan, commenting on Japan after the Plaza Accord was concluded in September 1985. But Japan and Korea weren't/aren't nearly the threat of China due to size.