Julius Nyerere had it right. The Chicoms built them a railroad and he kicked them out. Sadat did that with the Soviets after they built the Aswan Dam. Our deals are more even handed, right?(Could be wrong.) The old Chicoms and the Soviets had their own motives. They were certainly not altruistic. Today’s Chicoms are different. They’ll make sure their investment is paid off.
Perhaps our business deals should be more along the lines of what Governor Palin was able to get out of the oil companies in Alaska. Win-win? Would giving an inch to these Pacific countries give them the incentive to demand a mile?
Just remember. Ferdinand Marcos demanded more money from us for the privilege of protecting them. Trump put a stop to $hit like that. Ask Germany.