China used its large market to play the capitalists against themselves. First to new market wins, so Western capitalists were begging to get in no matter what.

I do think that as China moves up the value chain, they should still improve and automate their low-value manufacturing. That way, they can never get cut off from needed goods. I don't know whether this is exactly what they are planning. If someone more knowledgeable could chime in, that would be great!