My economics teacher in high school (not a great source, I know) said that no country has ever been permanently conquered through military might alone. But countries have been by economics.
If you believe this (or a variation of this idea) then it's reasonable to consider the possibility that China is using, or could possibly use, economics as a weapon.
If you believe this (or a variation of this idea) then it's reasonable to consider the possibility that China is using, or could possibly use, economics as a weapon.