[Honest Nigerian]

You are misinformed. Ballpoint pen tips?
In the 1980s China could not manufacture precision ballbearings. USA gave them the technology (machinery) to do it in the 1980s.

[dfwgator]

We sold them the rope they will hang us with.

[PIF]

You are misinformed. Ballpoint pen tips?

—
No its true, laughably they could not - the ball bearings they make are inferior to anything made in Sweden where most Western high quality ball bearings originate.

What ever they had in the 80s is what they still have; meanwhile, the rest of the world has moved on.

Western ball bearings are embargoed as is the equipment needed to make them. Same for high end microchips.