Imagine world politics as a family dinner.
At the head of the table sits the United States—the seasoned, slightly idealistic parent who wants to believe everyone will play fair. Across from them is China, the clever cousin who’s been quietly pocketing extra dessert and writing IOUs to everyone for years. Over on the side is Taiwan—the quiet genius with the best tech in the room. Europe’s that distracted uncle who talks big but keeps dropping his fork. And Russia? That grumpy neighbor who wasn’t invited but showed up anyway.
This is more or less the dynamic Edouard Prisse explores in his candid and sharp-edged book We Are Funding China’s Growth: That Must Stop!
In this extended dinner metaphor, the U.S. still brings most of the food, but over time, keeps watching it disappear across the table. China, with its strategic patience and impeccable memory, came to dinner in 2001 with a plan: get access to the fridge, the pantry, and the recipe book.
And we let them.
As Prisse explains, the U.S. championed China’s entry into the World Trade Organization under the assumption that economic integration would lead to political moderation. President Clinton confidently claimed that free trade would help bring democracy to China. But instead of changing China, free trade changed us, leaving Western industry weaker and China economically dominant.
Meanwhile, China used its new place at the table to gather cash—$870 billion in trade surplus in 2022 alone. With it, the Chinese regime:
- Supports unprofitable state-owned enterprises.
- Funds massive overseas projects that curry favor in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
- Pours money into influence campaigns and infrastructure investments—often tied to opaque or coercive deals.
That cousin is now offering to “fix the plumbing” in other people’s homes… but only if they let him store things in their basements.
Back at the table, Taiwan sits quietly—but everyone knows he’s the one making the best computer chips. Prisse underscores the importance of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry—and the growing risk that China might try to seize it. Not because it’s rebellious, but because it’s valuable.
Europe, for its part, keeps adjusting its tie and offering to “coordinate a response,” even while Greece and Hungary sneak bites from China’s plate. Prisse notes that China has already used economic leverage to manipulate EU politics, like when Greece vetoed EU statements critical of Beijing.
Russia sulks near the window, still hoping someone will notice him. But Prisse reminds us that the real threat isn’t the unpredictable neighbor—it’s the cousin who’s slowly acquiring the house.
What’s the solution? Prisse offers one: the U.S. must lead a shift from free trade to equal trade, making sure the flow of money is reciprocal, not one-way. If the U.S. stops letting China eat for free, the balance might return.
Every family dinner has its dynamics, but when one cousin takes all the leftovers, controls the thermostat, and starts designing the seating chart, it’s time to have a serious talk.
And maybe reset the table entirely.