Nixon "opened up" China back in the early 70's. Did he provoke the decline of Western Civilization?

Seems to me many of our problems, not just with the general economy of the West, but global environmental changes as well have been a result of the "emergence" of China onto the world stage. This "rise of China" is, and will be, the dominant social and economic force for the next, say, 100-200 years - and I think that the long-term effects upon the West (except for the wealthiest internationalists) will be mostly negative.





Will Nixon's move to open up China be one of history's "deciding moments" when the decline of the West is considered?

Nixon "opened up" China back in the early 70's. Did he provoke the decline of Western Civilization?
Well, remember it was a two-way street. China was beginning to give signals to the West as part of its emergence from the morass of the 'Cultural Revolution' - it needed that engagement, and while Nixon's visit was the biggest symbol of that, it wasn't the only thing happening.





Had Nixon not made his move, one possible outcome may have been to propel China back to the Soviets with all implications that would have brought. Or - in true Chinese fashion - they may have bided their time till a more propitious incumbent, or treated with Europe (which happened almost simultaneously with Nixon's visit anyway).





As Confucius might say: History is a sea; this was but one wave in the ebb and flo of the tide.
Reply:History is a history. There muz be some reason why nixxon open up china. Mainly because of the politics crisis at that time when china is in hostile agaisnt the USSR. America took the opportunity to 'fish' away the USSR allies by changing the mindset of the PRC's leader mind like Deng xiao ping.This futher weaken the soviet positon in the world's infuence. Thats why the soviet collapse is the America target at that time. Therefor, provoking the china and USSR is one of the main contribution to this frature relationship. Dude, think again. If Nixxon did not open up china at that time, do you think China will become the manufacturing and also market place for western nation? DO we have cheap and good quality goods? Think again. What done is done and cannot be undone.
Reply:I disagree, Nixon took a potentially hostile nation who had unlimited military resources and got them on our side instead of the Soviets. It was a very brave move on his part and it was and still is successful.
Reply:Clinton caused the downfall.





Libs and their free rides are sucking the life and power out of the US
Reply:I don't think that's what did it. Collective bargaining laws have made America less competitive.