[fr_freak]

And Americans keep funding the Chicoms by buying MADE IN CHINA merchandise at their local Walmarts, Targets etc...

Actually, I wonder what effect this really has. Money is addictive, especially so to dictatorial regimes whose people are restless. If the US is the largest consumer of China-made goods, then engaging in hostile relations with us would destroy their economy, which would, in turn, place China's government at risk for a revolution. They must know this.

China was hostile to us before they became goods manufacturers, so does a strong trade partnership make war more or less likely between us?

[Quix]

Sure Chinese love gold and money.

But in a contest between conquest and pride vs money

Pride and conquest will win every time in terms of key elements of the leadership--especially the military.

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

Nixon would say less. That's why he opened trade with them as his legacy.

It has its good and bad points as a policy. On the one hand, you fund them to build whatever they can. On the other hand, they'd probably find consumers elsewhere. So back on the other hand, they become dependent on you not only to sustain their military, but their economy and power base as well. On the other hand, if the the hardcore Reds realize they're losing power to democratic forces, they have nothing to lose and may well deploy their weapons.

I'm more concerned about them teaming up with former Soviets and quashing the democratic gains made in the region and creating Cold War II. This, in and by itself, is not necessarily a bad thing. A stalemate keeps everyone in the game. On the other hand, the oil supply and flow has been reaching a critical mass lately.

Very complicated issue. Gertz knows his field well.

[American in Israel]

China was hostile to us before they became goods manufacturers, so does a strong trade partnership make war more or less likely between us?

I tend to believe that money has less effect than the hearts of man. I suspect that the trade just enabled China to build a modern military that they intend to use to come take the stuff they want, whereas we would just be glad for the trade. Killer's tend to kill with what they have and peacefull men tend to build houses.

[investigateworld]

Prior to WWII, Germany and France were each others No. 1 trade partners.