They don't even brother with tariffs they prohibit all competition and coerce rivals to hand over the fruits of their research. It's diabolical.
Well, they've been forced to open their borders once, at the opium wars, so that "free trade" can triumph and more junkies can be made of their people.
I'd cut them some slack in not seeing "free trade" as all its advertised to be (by those that primarily profit from paying lip service to it).
The larger point is that China is practicing extreme protectionism while benefitting greatly from free trade.
The GP literally mentions protectionism in the context of the 19th century. I think you’re in the wrong thread.
More power to them, then? Sounds like a good way benefit their country.