The main reason for our weakness is that our educational system has us bleeding from the throat. Strategically, that system needs an upheaval. I don't see one yet.
The tactical key is whether we can move sufficient outsourcing from China to India (which goes completely unmentioned in that gush of fear mongering) AND rebuild domestic manufacturing. Cutting off Chinese cash flow will foster currently throttled internal strife.
Agree, our students as a whole are not being taught and trained properly. We need a FULL overhaul of the public schools. Kids need to be taught how to excel in their fields of choice including the trades right up to advanced science and engineering. We also need to stop worshipping climate in schools and start worshipping a higher authority so kids get some ethics and morals.
Also India and China are long-time adversaries. Having better relations with India could put a check on China’s expansionist goals.