How America's 250 year China Dream Became Its Greatest Strategic Challenge In a twist of historical irony, the United States' 250 year romance with China has ended in bitter rivalry.
This transformation began with the maiden voyage of the Empress of China in 1784, which symbolized American hopes for trade, reform, and friendship with the distant land.
At the time, America was still reeling from its own revolution, but it dared to dream big, envisioning China as a prized market for its merchants and traders.