We will see No Korea implode in the next few years followed by the great Chinese totalitarian 'democratic republic'. It will be ugly. We are encircling China via Japan, Taiwan, India, even Russia, etc. We are keeping them contained and they know it. Economically their situation is fragile, the yuan is crap for example. Politically we all know how a rigid communist system can unravel in a hurry. Bush knows all this and in ratcheting up the pressure on No Korea who will soon crumble. Talk about a weak link!
In 3,000 years China has NOOOO history of foreign conquest- none- all this fearful speculation of a military threat to anyone but their immediate neighbors is ludicrous. Historically China has NO history of long distance aggression much less massive attacks around the world. For them it's always about their borders, pushing their neighbors around, seizing territory, immediate security needs.
It serves their interests to put it out on the street that they're big bad and ready to dominate the world. Psych warfare. This is a frightened country historically after umpteen invasions and occupations by foreign powers. It's part of the famous Chinese penchant for tough negotiations and pursuing a moving target. If China dares to attack us (they will not) we will incinerate them and they know this. They are nowhere as stupid and foolhardy as has been written here, nope
But yes we prop them up economically and they know that too. WE have the upper hand in all areas, IMHO
I would like to believe your optimistic assessment is right. But I'd rather see the CIA missing because it's too pessimistic and NOT because it's too optimistic. But I have to slam you for one statement:
"In 3,000 years China has NOOOO history of foreign conquest."
Ever heard of Tibet? Check a globe before you make such a ridiculous statement.