I get you but I think you might focus too much on the control/conspiracy element.
It takes one major economic expansion for US debt issue to be nil. US definitely has some structural issues that need addressing with excessive handouts and excessive loopholes but proliferation of internet has resulted in too much focus on the negatives. Govt should operate needs to operate more like a for-profit company. I'm sure you've seen at times just how lean you can operate while still keeping it together. Sometimes less is more.
China is trying to transition from a manufacturing/export based economy to a consumer based economy and trying to manage accordingly. Their time as world's low cost manufacturer is done & they are more dependent on us as we are them. Cost of labor is rising and they can only control their billions for so long (hence, the focus on current administration on corruption...control the people). US goods can always come from Mexico, Vietnam, India, etc. They're inching closer to democracy all the time but the catch is they want to do so on their own terms & timeline.
China has learned a thing or two from other economies. They know full well their challenges. A lot of these "empty cities" were built when they were propping up the global economy. If infrastructure was the solution, so be it. They can always tear it down and rebuild if necessary.
Sorry for the rambling folks. I think most would agree it's a giant balancing act by everyone.
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