[Navy Patriot]

Double tracked sophisticated rail can carry troops and tanks as well as consumer goods.

True, and there is some competition in the SE Russian Siberian area, but China is all about business now, and will war in the marketplace not with the military.

Russia is safe while controlling transit to Europe, but we are not in the Western Pacific.

Nor from the Muslims, both Russia and China (cooperating) will drive them South and West, to Europe and America.

[Jimmy Valentine]

Good points, although the Chinese have been historically poor on water but very kick ass on land. China has a huge population surplus, and Siberia has room as well as an abundance of natural resources.

Putin needs to watch his back.