[mirimir]

Yes, I totally agree.

There was already conflict between China and the Soviet Union. But yes, that increased as China gradually introduced capitalism, with decreasing emphasis on central planning.

And that intervention did indeed finally jump start economic development and modern industrialization in China. After the catastrophic Cultural Revolution and Great Leap Forward. But that didn't include national-level democracy and Western-style individual rights and freedoms. Likely contrary to Kissenger's expectations.

So yes, China might become the dominant world power. And that might roll back some global consequences of the European Enlightenment. Who would have thought?