[Dilbert56]

A reporter from the WSJ said the EP-3 standoff back in 2001 was resolved by a K-Mart buyer's call to China saying if the crisis continued another week, business would tank. The implication to me was: you don't aggravate your biggest customer. This deal continues the linking of our economies.

China is finally rising from its slumber. It's buying all the oil, steel, and concrete it can get its hands on to build, build, build. It will be the only thing approaching superpower status to challenge US dominance. If our economies are intertwined, I would expect our relationship with China to be valued by the leaders of both countries. The odds of World War V will be lower - allowing us to finish WW IV (WOT) properly.

[ninenot]

If our economies are intertwined, I would expect our relationship with China to be valued by the leaders of both countries

An eventuality which is contradicted by most of human history, but hey!! Enjoy the thought while you can...