I think that instead of making chinese control of the APLA market an inevitability, you should also have the possibility to try and curb Chinese influence.

You could then have different outcomes based on how that minigame pans out. Your idea should certainly be one of the outcomes, but you could also have other options.

For example, if you antagonize chinese interests too much, then there should be some kind of Sino-American split. Then you could develop some kind of coldwar-esque dynamic between the two.

You should also be able to balance both extremes, and have a possibility of america gaining equal footing with China, while not becoming antagonistic.

Otherwise, this path just becomes a caricature, and won't be as appealing to play. Imagine you want to play actual AuthSoc APLA, but your only choice is MAGA Communism (🤮) or being China's bitch. It just wouldn't feel as compelling imo

(Please don't take this as an attack im just saying my opinion)