Look at what happens with Brexit, when The United kingdom felt stronger enough to resist and perform an economic boom with no other countries support.
The spirit of feeling superior will always lead to a breakdown of the economy but the acknowledgement of others views and perception will bring the economy to a rise.
This is what actually happens with china. They approach Africa countries, provide affordable goods and strengthen relationship with them. The result is that the African merchant no longer dream to purchase something from the U.S or Europe.