Yet the conduct of Chinas government can be alarming abroad, and appalling at home. Beijing has been investing its growing wealth in strategic nuclear weapons... new ballistic missiles
a blue-water navy and a long-range airforce.
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That say it all. This build-up is not to be used for domestic purposes or peaceful international purposes.
The problem is, when Bush issues statements such as this it is momentary pap to placate conservatives rather than a consistent ideology and policy. On alternate days Bush's statements can be quoted to assert he holds any position.
Agreed.
In world history, countries that have had the largest economies usually have had the largest militaries for the simple reason that large economies have the most economic assets to protect around the world.