How exactly was that supposed to work in the first place?

Was China expected to dictate to various businesses in China that they buy certain things from America only? Was the Chinese government supposed to do the buying?

Happens once shame on them, happens twice, shame on you. Happens the nth, you’re an idiot.

Maybe they could have bought several hundred billion dollars worth of semiconductors from the US.

Ooops, No. The US won't sell them those. And then complains that China isn't buying enough stuff.