Real
What was the significance of POTUS being invited into the forbidden city?
If I recall, this has never happened before for anyone (outsider). Ever.
Freedom of speech in China
China's damaclean sword is the several other Asian nations around it. We could easily arm Taiwan to the hilt. They have been begging to buy our state of the art defense systems and aircraft. We could also sunset the SF treaty with Japan and allow them to build a full spectrum military force. We could also smooth things over with Vietnam. The Vietnamese hate the Chino with a passion. And then there's the Koreas. Point is, we have many pieces to play on the Asian chess board. China [it's handlers] doesn't want to go there. They will be easily dealt with.
You're right. We should allow China to continue to bully it's lesser defended neighbors instead of seeking a balance. We'll continue to be the world police and build our military up while we deny other sovereign nations that right.