Do you think it's going to be a Chinese century?

Answer 1

No, because communism doesn't work.

Answer 2

yes, because capitalism works and authoritarianism works - when these two forces are united (particularly when capitalism is blended with socialism), it's called fascism.

now, when i say capitalism and authoritarianism "work" what i'm saying is that they deliver what they promise.

capitalism increases material wealth (and consequently standard of living) more quickly than any other means we've yet attempted in larger scale experiments (the lab in which we conduct the experiment is called "the economy").

contrary to popular belief, the chinese policies that most "red blooded democrats" (yes, a proponent of democracy is called a democrat, whatever you repupublicans say to the contrary) should really fear are not their economic system - which is remarkably like that of most "capitalist" countries.

what is more loathsome is their disregard of civil rights - which are suspended whenever the citizen takes action which is construed as against the greater good of the nation.

this authoritarian form of government also accomplishes what it promises - greater central control over disturbances to the established order. as long as the vast majority of the country does not face oppression past a certain level, most citizens are happy. in ww2 germany, for example, many people were only too happy to let the government do whatever it wanted so long as the government did not trample on their OWN rights. if that government had not lost the war, who knows if democracy would have ever arisen again organically within the german culture.

Answer 3

It might very well be so. China is now the world's most powerful Capitalist country. They still cling to the fact that they are Communist, but if this were truly so, they would be a large version of North Korea. Their people are hardworking and are willing to do much to achieve their dreams. They do not have the regulations that so hamper older capitalisms such as the US, and because of this, they have a huge advantage. Truly, they are where we were at the beginning of the industrial age, and will continue to grow in leaps and bounds.
In time, the people will demand greater rights, unions, ect. and this will change their pattern of growth. But right now, they have a definite advantage.

Answer 4

Could be. It's a very old civilization and its economy is growing fast.

I hope they, the US, and other nations can all make positive contributions and live together in relative harmony.

Don't bet on it.

Taiwan is probably the least talked-about flashpoint in the world today. If there are open hostilities there, it will make the Middle East look like a summer picnic.

Answer 5

Yes. China is around the stage the USA was a century ago. Fifty years and USA world supremacy will be as much a faded memory as Britain's.

Answer 6

I agree.I'll laugh when the Chinese people fall in a decline!Little Kikkoman people

Answer 7

Not when they tone down the eagerly anticipated "Year of the Pig" celebrations so as to not offend any Muslim passersby.

I think such collective insanity is the start of any downfall.

Answer 8

I think it's very possible. They have all those billions of dollars from selling us manufactured goods that they have to do something with.

They're building up their army and the last I heard they're thinking about buying Chrysler.