SMH. Be reasonable. Colonialism was and is shitty.

Sure, colonialism whether direct or indirect is shitty.

Consider your argument though:

> Market isolationism and protectionism is a clear signal of weakness.

In the case of China, it was too weak to fight off unwanted trade, it would have been a clear signal of strength if it had maintained isolationalism.

Being forced into trade demonstrated weakness.

You're missing the point and trying to substitute another point. That's called a strawman, so you're really arguing with yourself.