Respectfully, I think this kind of story is encouraged by our Military-Industrial Complex (Eisenhower’s term). I went to the U.S.S.R. during The Cold War. We were told that the Russians had reached parity, and would soon eclipse us, Beware !
What I saw with my own eyes was so primitive, as to be beyond beleif. Phones, food disrtibution, automobiles, consumer products and what passed for retail shopping - we were a thousand times more advanced, and they knew it.
I suspect similar to China, today. Thank you.
“I suspect similar to China, today. Thank you.”
I’ve been to China, twice, and WITHOUT escort. What they’ve accomplished economically is real. Those were real cars, real highways (in perfect condition), cities that put ours to shame. We can continue to think they’re backwards as the Soviets were prior to the end of the Cold War (although they too are much better now), if it makes us feel better...but it doesn’t change things on the ground.
Nope.
China is clobbering us. Badly.
The trade balance is ridiculously on China’s side.
Russia builds good weapons. China builds EVERYTHING.