[NeuroCoder]

I'm going to apologize for my ignorance upfront here, but I was under the impression that China isn't protecting local companies. It is making the companies it can directly control the only available option. Perhaps you're referring to something other than just controlling technology and information. I'd be interested in knowing more if there's something specific you had in mind

[mantas]

Many Chinese local companies took advantage of west technology they acquired in joint companies and Chinese government kicked off western companies.

Preventing a good part of western big tech from entering the market was protectionism too.