Comment by mmooss

> Making America "stand on its own two feet" would give it a lot of freedom in making choices that are at odds with future super powerful China that is no longer benevolent.

The idea that relationships reduce your independence is almost childish, like a 18 year old who things they tie you down and they'll go it alone in life. It's through relationships that people - and nations - have power. The US by itself can't afford to do much. Now the, again, vast network of US allies - including in that theater Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, to an extent India - share the burden.

> freedom in making choices that are at odds with future super powerful China that is no longer benevolent.

The US has disconnected itself from China for years now. China has little influence politically in the US.

What happened was China became extremely nationalistic, threatened and abused everyone, and the US moved in and allied with all its new enemies.

However, as the US becomes extremely nationalistic, threatening and abusing everyone, China is now moving in and building relationships. It's their own back yard, so it is hard to compete if you act like just another nationalistic dicatatorship.