Every country’s strength depends on the choices it makes. Over the last two decades, the United States and other democracies have made choices that seemed harmless at the time but now reveal a serious problem. We opened our markets to China, welcomed its products, and assumed that free trade would benefit everyone equally. Instead, we gave China a powerful advantage in our own economy.
The rise of China’s economic power did not happen by accident. It happened because China was allowed to export enormous amounts of goods at extremely low prices while importing far less in return. This created a trade imbalance that sent hundreds of billions of dollars from the West into China every year. These funds strengthened its industries, expanded its manufacturing capacity, and allowed it to build foreign exchange reserves unmatched by any other nation.
When we buy cheap products from China, we do not simply fill our homes with affordable goods. We also support China’s industrial growth, contribute to its technological advance, and weaken our own production base. The more dependent we become on Chinese imports, the more vulnerable we become to disruptions, pricing pressure, and foreign influence.
But the question remains whether we are still giving China an upper hand. The answer is yes, and the reasons are still unfolding. American companies continue to move production to China because the cost of labor remains low and the supply chains are already established. Consumers often prefer the cheaper option without considering how those savings can create long-term costs for the national economy. Political leaders hesitate to intervene because industries resist change.
Another factor is China’s strategic planning. China does not leave economic power to chance. It invests in sectors that have long-term global value, such as electronics, steel, rare earth minerals, and renewable energy. It also uses state support and subsidies to keep its industries competitive. These practices give China strength in areas where democratic countries must rely on free market competition alone.
Meanwhile, the West’s trade approach has remained largely unchanged since 2001. While lawmakers talk about tariffs, supply chain resilience, or supporting domestic manufacturing, China continues to expand its economic reach. As long as there is no balance in the flow of goods, China will maintain the upper hand.
This problem can be corrected, but it requires a complete shift in how we see trade. Equal Trade must replace free trade with China. This means both sides exchanging goods of similar value. It also means protecting strategic sectors from dependency and ensuring that manufacturing returns to the United States and allied countries.
The path is not easy. It requires political courage, public awareness, and cooperation between democratic nations. But it is necessary if the West wants to maintain control over its economic future and prevent long-term dependence on an authoritarian regime.
For a clear and practical understanding of how the imbalance developed and how it can be solved, readers should explore We Were Funding China’s Growth That Must Stop! by Edouard Prisse. The book offers essential guidance for anyone concerned about where our economy is heading and can help us to stop this manipulation.
Here is a link to purchase: www.amazon.com/dp/1967963053.