Sort of like Germany - US dollars helped to build Hitler’s war machine. History repeats.
Also the oil embargo on Japan established by Dean Acheson meant that Japan would not be able to continue their war to conquer Asia long term, as they were very dependent on oil from USA. Hence, Pearl Harbor.
Trade Wars can work without firing a shot, but can also just be a step towards a shooting war.
Nothing new under the sun. If only our education included more true history...
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A perfect observation.
The U.S. can probably still "Win" the economic war by interdicting China's oil and other natural resource imports, as we did to Japan.
But ... it would likely be considered an act of war. RISKY.
If only Donald Trump could remain President for about 20 years, I am confident he could solve the China problem. But it remains to be seen if MAGA nation can find and elect an adequate successor in 2024 and beyond.