I don't think trade with the west has become less important. They may seek trading partners in perhaps Australia, but they still need and want to trade with "the west". I am not quite sure what the statement "Uncle Sam and friends" is supposed to refer to, but according to the news I am reading, trade with Europe becomes even more important for china, since so far, they haven't banned any technology from China.

Also: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202306/06/WS647e6dcea31033ad3f7ba99f.html