Say whatever you wish about the Chinese, they are not dumb.
The real prize here is advanced jet engine technology from GE. They will allow GE to make huge investments in China so that when the Chinese finally ask that one favour, it cannot be refused.
China is the last great hope for GM, if China goes, GM goes. Money made from China is used to subsidise the unprofitable US operations of GM.
With every passing day, the Chinese are locking US businesses in a tighter embrace. They know that US businesses employ lobbyists and that lobbyists write trade legislation. I can hear calls for the US to sell advanced technology to the Chinese to “reduce the trade deficit”.
Things were a bit easier during the Cold War and Arabs are not that smart. The Chinese are a whole lot smarter than we think.
Sadly I believe what you say is true and it’s yet another reason the turkey in the WH has to be sent packing along with his appointed thugs throughout the federal government.