[Jeff Head]

The info and trends are there for everyone to see. China is using our own resources, and wrapping it in a pretty package, while preparing to confront us. They are busily preparing all of the most strategic and critical choke points from the Panama Canal, to the Spratleys, to the Mid East, with their influence, money, personnel and material.

Any student of history can see it coming.

Travis McGee's post 22 illustrates the point perfectly.

[Atlantic Friend]

I entirely concur. It's like a gigantic game of chess, and we are seeing the opening moves. China :

- corners the semiconductor market,
- boosts its economy,
- woos oil-prducing countries,
- sets up observer posts along the sealanes used by the tankers that are vital to our economy,
- builds up its military by buying or building state-of-the-art warplanes, tanks and warships,
- controls one of the most vital straits for Western commerce.

And this is probably the visible tip of the iceberg. The Soviets would have done half of that, there would have been some NATO alert long ago. But the Chinese are much more subtle, and they just place their pieces on the game board without being overly aggressive.

Soon we'll find out that the amiable Chinese smile has sharp teeth, with no other choice as to concede the game, or fight in a less than favorable position.