Final answer:
The U.S. government's China policy reflected American concern for China's survival and the interests of U.S. trading companies. It aimed to foster trade, counter Soviet influence, and engage China as an economic partner while being aware of its actions and influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The U.S. government's China policy reflected American concern for the survival of China and the interests of some trading companies in the U.S. during the Cold War and beyond. The U.S. saw China's large population as an attractive trading partner and wanted to counter the influence of the Soviet Union. President Nixon's visit to Beijing in 1972 opened the door to diplomatic relations, but China imposed the condition of recognizing the Communist government in Beijing as the official China.
This policy was designed to foster trade with China and support its survival amidst the tensions of the Cold War. It demonstrated American interest in engaging China as an economic partner, while also keeping a watchful eye on its increasing influence. However, the U.S. government has also expressed concerns about China's lack of freedom and human rights violations.
Overall, the U.S. government's China policy balanced American concerns for China's survival and the interests of U.S. trading companies, while also taking into account geopolitical considerations.