[shaggy eel]

While they will threaten Taiwan with various acts, they won't invade because of the implications for their trade based economy.

,,, maybe, maybe not. They've left Hong Kong alone to a greater extent than I envisaged they would. They'll get a lot of mileage out of trade if they leave Taiwan alone too. What has to be watched is the build up in the Panama canal area and the Bahamas, along with the alliances being forged in South America.

[Stratman]

Latin America should be our backyard. We should have a free trade zone from the top of Canada to the tip of South America. NAFTA is successful for both sides of the border. Mexico has developed a strong export trade with us that has increased a great deal, and American professionals have markets in Mexico. I realize Bush has Been occupied in other areas, but a President should be able to multi-task.

I had forgotten about Hong Kong entirely. Buy you are right. Hong Kong provides China with financing.