[Jeff Head]

Actually, China can (and IMHO probably will) invade other countries to do so. There is Siberia, there are still reserves on the Malay penninsula, Indonesia, etc. and especially in the waters of the surrounding areas in the China and South China Seas.

[Southack]

"Actually, China can (and IMHO probably will) invade other countries to do so. There is Siberia, there are still reserves on the Malay penninsula, Indonesia, etc. and especially in the waters of the surrounding areas in the China and South China Seas."

If China wants cheaper resources, it need only prop up the U.S. Dollar less (i.e. hold down the Yuan less).

China has large foreign currency reserves. It can buy what it wants. An ill-thought invasion merely reduces the amount of goods that China could sell to the U.S. and EU...which would cause job losses and wage declines in a China that is already under social pressure...hardly the recipe for a tasty oriental dish.