China grew because it was able to sell into Western markets. Western markets were open because neoliberal boosters believed in free trade; they believed (a) that free trade would benefit both sides, and (b) that free trade with China would encourage it to open up its economy (pushing it toward neoliberalism).

I think it's possible they turned out to be wrong on both counts. But if it had not been for neoliberals in the West pushing for free trade, China would not have developed as quickly.