Jeff, you're a prophet and don't know it. The only difference between reality and your book is that IF these guys get out of line, they will be slammed so hard and fast that it will make the Franco-Prussian War look long :)
I hope we take the steps necessary now to prevent that from becoming necessary...in a land war in Asia, I am not so sure it will be pout back in the bottle all that fast and without horrendous cost...but I am confidant of the ultimate outcome.