Are we too short-sighted to see our next regret in 10 years?

Sorry, can't type in Chinese as using work computer. I am not talking about going back to China empty handed then look for jobs there. I am talking about being an expat sent back by HQ in US. I feel when everyone is talking about it or doing it, then it's already too late, even going back as an expat. I recently notice that discussions about HG is weakened further by the voices of HBG when considering all the trade offs. Yes, there is an opportunity in a manufacturing line that need to set up an assembly line to serve Chinese and Asian markets. The candidate is considering whether to leave all he has in US and go back to take the challenge of 3-4 years of China assignment. But what about beyond the 3-4 years? The company has no clear vision now. He worries about long term career and life than just the $250-300k salary for next couple of years. Many expats says they are squeezed out of job markets there day in and day out, even if the home grown managers' salary level growing fast to their level these days. 

On the other hand, US companies are taking back jobs from China now. Farouk Systems is bringing back assembly of hair dryers to Texas after counterfeiting problems; ET Water Systems has switched its irrigation products to California; Master Lock is returning to Milwaukee and NCR is bring back its ATM output to Georgia, and NatLabs is coming home to Florida. Volkswagen is investing $4 billion in America, led by its Chattanooga Passat plant. Korea’s Samsung has begun a $20 billion US investment blitz. Meanwhile, Intel, GM, Caterpillar and other U.S. firms are opting to stay home rather than invest abroad.” 

When many of us still regret missing out the last decade of explosive growths and excitements in China and wondering how to cathching the bus long gone in the dusts, are we not looking what is happening to be the next trend? 

Going back as a US expat or staying put for the next boom?