I work at sears as a sales associate. I work in the hardware dept and a lot of the merchandise is made in U.S.A. There is also plenty that is made in China, but there are many people who become upset even angry when they see items made in China or demand I find them a suitable American made substitute. I had 1 customer spend an extra 50 dollars (no problem for commission paid me) for an item because it was made int he U.S.A rather than china. When he asked for a cheaper item I showed him the Chinese made one (i never even notice where things are made) and he had an angry tone to his voice about it asking for an American one. This man I also found out through small talk was not some factory worker who lost his job, but a banker who likes to do home improvement on the weekends.
This is just one of a few instances I have seen. I wanted to provide one anecdote in my thread.
Overall many Americans have negative feelings towards China. Much of it does not stem from any cold war attitudes. since 1972 with Henry Kissinger's and Richard Nixon's polices towards China and the visit to China. Chinese u.s relations have been on the good side to say the least.
While China is a growing power, not since Korea (and to a lesser extent Vietnam. mostly from supplying the NVA) have we dealt in any way with China militarily and visa versa. Other states in the reason have some historical fears of China, as they do with Japan. As of right now there is more fake fighting over uninhabited islands for a few more nautical miles of territory. There is not much conflict in that region overall.
While still a communist government the economic polices are far from communist. Many of your newer clothing may not even be made in china. Wages are on the rise in china so your clothing may say (Taiwan, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, and others) More electronic manufacturing is being done in china which is actually a small reason behind its slowing growth as of late. Its preparing its next generation of workers to be more skilled. Why should the american manufacturer who is actually getting some jobs back, be afraid of China? Its not like they make cars that can be sold here. Or some other items that go way below our standards.
Is it because of the governmental polices and lack of freedoms? That does not stop the U.S from being in close ties with Arabia and others.
The U.S and China currently have very positive relations. But political figures and people in the U.S are afraid to even dislike China. Let us discuss why.