[SauronOfMordor]

But in view of the fact that the US has enough nuclear might (superiority) to vaporize the whole of China, this alone will make the Chinese think twice before they even dare to dream of world conquest

It doesn't have to be an out-right military conquest. They can be subtle and long-range about it, with Chinese investors coming in and opening companies that would hire Filipinos to do various things. With that would come pressure to allow more Chinese "executives" and "technicians" in, along with some bribes to officials to make it easier. At no point would China need to be openly aggressive.

Then if "civil unrest" threatened the safety of Chinese nationals, they could "help".

Yes the US has nukes. So does China. Will the US be willing to trade the major cities on our west coast to stop China taking the Phillipeans? We may find ourselves in that position some day. And the Chinese can wait until we have a prez that would not be interested in the trade

[The Pheonix]

You brought out good , valid points

That's why it is vital for the US to take advanstage of her wealth to spend more on R&D in order to be always ahead of China.

it is thru R&D that the US could maintain her miltary superiority, in order to keep China in check

Having true meritocracy in American universities is important for the US to be the best in the IT and Scientific field