Much too sophisticated for the Western mind to master.
First of all.. "Permanent" is not - Can you say ABM Treaty ?
Second- The world deals with China - until we learn how to compete with them in the same markets, they win... They don't need us.
Lastly - ( and most importantly ) We really don't care if governments in another country kill their people or use them as slaves. ... who really knew or gave a damn about Afganistan ?