Final answer:
The West often criticizes China's New Silk Road for potential political influence, while concerns over human rights and Internet freedom raise doubts about China's governance. President Trump's policy pointed out unfair trade practices that affect global firms trying to compete with Chinese companies.
Step-by-step explanation:
What the West gets wrong about China is often centered around the New Silk Road initiative and its perceived political implications. Critics from the West, India, and Japan, for instance, argue China could use the project to expand its political influence. Concerns have been raised over the initiative being too costly, potentially leading countries into debt, especially if they engage with Chinese companies known for charging high prices.
China's track record on human rights adds to the apprehension. Protests erupted in Kazakhstan against Chinese plans to build factories, partly due to the treatment of the Uyghurs, igniting worries about China's commitment to ethnic minority rights. Additionally, Internet freedom and government control within China is a contentious subject, with China actively working to suppress what it considers 'harmful information,' which includes any dissent against government politics or criticism.
When it comes to international relations and trade, President Trump's policy on China highlighted the challenges faced by foreign firms due to China's industrial policies and unfair trade practices. These concerns embrace issues like forced technology transfer, non-tariff barriers, and subsidies favoring domestic firms—impeding a fair competition field.