zlacker

>>giveme+(OP)
Ironic, Western politicians thought opening up to trade with China would lead to it adopting a Western model of government. Instead it's lead to the USA adopting the Chinese one.

>>sobiol+da
Western governments have taken a stake in, nationalised, or owned / operated corporations for a very long time!

Some examples: VOC, BBC, national airlines, etc.

List across countries: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_government-owned_compa...

US specific: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State-owned_enterprises_of_the...

>>andsoi+pg
Most of these were done under duress or specifically for public goods (BBC, for example).

Taking an ownership stake in broad daylight for political favors is very much unprecedented in the modern economy.