[Nov3]

Yes I want to discuss issues. That is why I am here!

Like you, I don't think it is in China's interest to fight a war with us. China is trying to come into the world as a whole. However I do believe that China could absorb more losses than we can inflict (short of nuclear) and laugh at us. This imbalance of the sexes makes it even more so. It might destroy them financially but for the vast majority of China nothing would drastically change. They know it and know we know it. We need to remember this when dealing with them. They have a lot to lose but they are willing to lose it. They think of time in a way we don't or can't.

T.S. was a PR nightmare but it proves one thing. China will do whatever is necessary to maintain control. They are not stupid however. Their leaders are very astute and learn from their mistakes. They would do it with much more finesse now but the end result would be the same. They weren't prepared for the world press then. They are now.

I would love to see China. I think it would give one a whole new view on the world.

[Enemy Of The State]

Your absolutely correct that China has the ability to absorb more losses than US in the case of a war and you can bet that our military planners are deeply aware of this. That is why we would never consider such a military confrontation with them until we were able to inflict considerable damages to their forces. More than likely, any military confrontation would begin via the Navy. As of yet, China does not have the ability to challenge our Naval power, that is why Clintoon scared the shit out of them in 1996 when he sent two Aircraft carrier battlegroups to the South China sea. This is also why they are in such a hurry to build up their naval power. In all practicality, all the United States would have to do in the event of a confrontation to inflict catestrophic losses for China is to destroy their prized Three Gorges Damn once it is complete. WOW! That would put a HUGE dent in their population, not to mention that it would send their economy back through the Qing dynasty. Isn't it nice of them to give us such strategic targets?

That aside, to call the TS massacre a PR nightmare is to say the least. They could never get away with such a move again. Such an action now would cost them their entire economy as all foreign investment would more than likely cease to exist or at least make a mass exodus.

Our main threat from China comes in educating their young and allowing them to maintain such an edge on our economy. They are without a doubt following Sun Tzu by the book. If you like to keep up on politics with China and the US, I would suggest a book by Richard Bernstein and Ross H. Munro called "The coming Conflict with China". It is a most impressive read and it solely relies on the facts that exist.

Ive spent quite a bit of time there being that my fiance is from one of the northern provinces there where her uncle holds a fairly high position in the government. Upon completion of my studies at the University I plan to spend a year teaching English over there in order to bring my speaking ability of Chinese up to better speed. That is if I dont return to the Marines before hand.

You certainly make a valid point too about their ability to handle the press now. One of my good friends in Beijing is a PR rep and they have certainly become quite the little spin masters.

Regards!
EOTS