https://amgreatness.com/2025/10/22/the-real-manchurian-candidate-fifty-years-of-chinas-quiet-conquest/
The following is an excerpt from The China Matrix: The Epic Story of How Donald Trump Shattered a Deadly Pact.
The story of betrayal related here begins nearly a decade later, in 1971, and it’s notable how many themes it shares with the fictional Hollywood account. Hailed as a Cold War classic that captures the period’s paranoid sensibility, The Manchurian Candidate’s representation of propaganda and brainwashing might have prepared the American public for the messaging that accompanied the strengthening of ties between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. As false as the stock praise for Raymond Shaw’s character is the broad assertion, relayed by every US president since Richard Nixon—except for Donald Trump—that the rise of China’s communist party is good for America and conducive to world peace.
Here’s how Nixon put it: “What brings us together is a recognition of a new situation in the world and a recognition on our part that what is important is not a nation’s internal political philosophy,” he told Mao during their historic meeting. “Therefore, we can find common ground, despite our differences, to build a world structure in which both can be safe to develop in our own ways on our own roads.”
With Mao’s death, Gerald Ford said, “I am confident that the trend of improved relations between the People’s Republic of China and the United States, which Chairman Mao helped to create, will continue to contribute to world peace and stability.”
Jimmy Carter said, “The United States and China need to build their futures together.”
In Ronald Reagan’s words, “We can work together as equals in a spirit of mutual respect and mutual benefit… America and China are both great nations. And we have a special responsibility to preserve world peace.”
According to George H.W. Bush, “One of my dreams for our world is that these two powerful giants will continue working toward a full partnership and friendship that will help bring peace and prosperity to people everywhere.”
Bill Clinton wasn’t worried about the rising communist juggernaut: “Our objective is not containment and conflict; it is cooperation. We will far better serve our interests and our principles if we work with a China that shares that objective with us.”
George W. Bush agreed: “China is on a rising path, and America welcomes the emergence of a strong, peaceful, and prosperous China.”
So did Barack Obama: “Our goal is not to counter China. Our goal is not to contain China,” he said. “We want China to succeed.”
And in the words of Joe Biden: “China is going to eat our lunch? Come on, man. I mean, you know, they’re not bad folks, folks. But guess what? They’re not competition for us.”
