Who then used those relations to build up their strength till now they're becoming a major geopolitical competitor with us, and quite possibly a national security problem over the next few decades. Not something I'd be proud of if I were in his shoes.
China may be communist but is a loyal economic ally, unlike Europe and Japan who wish to destroy us. China may be evil, but they were trying to help us destroy the wicked Viet Cong once and for all.