Actually, really the blame goes to Nixon on this. Nixon ended 25 years of isolation between the US and China [1], and further played China against Russia. The

Actually, really the blame goes to Nixon on this. Nixon ended 25 years of isolation between the US and China [1], and further played China against Russia. The deeper reality is that US corporations wanted cheap labor. And the Chinese wanted to increase their standard of living for their people. But also, China turned into a nuclear power while people weren't looking, and trade between the US and China would prevent any wars. It's easy to look back and say one thing, but back in the 60's/70's the nuclear threat to the US was real, and trade was the most powerful deterrence option that could lead to long lasting peace. [1] https://www.nixonlibrary.gov/nixons-trip-china https://www.nixonlibrary.gov/nixons-trip-china