Meeting the minds half way

I must admit that the first thing that springs to my mind is something along the lines of agent provocateur, China has invaded Taiwan from within. How can two countries with such a history of fear and intent on domination come together like this ? (Though Wu Poh-Hsiung does look like the Grandfatherly type with his balding head and powder blue tie)

It has been said, quite a bit ago I might add, that China would stand as the next World Power, taking the place of the United States as the monitor of the world community. It was said that China was the only country with the resources and will to enforce a certain humanity over the constantly warring and struggling countries that make up this planet without having to take over said countries. I can't say whether they themselves could withstand the temptation to dominate and posses some five years ago, but perhaps if we take a close look at the way they handle their own current crisis internally and the results of their diplomacy with Taiwan, we might come to a better understanding of their present social psyche.

Already, before the tremors have subsided, Chinese officials have begun talk of allowing parents to have more children and what is to be done to help those in affected areas to rebuild. Further, some 5,000 orphans are already being held out for adoption. Officials at the lowest layer of government are questioning higher without fear of reprisal and those above them are listening. They want answers as to the destruction of so many schools and other infrastructure related issues. Clearly, not the China of Tienanmen Square, which would have written off the cries of protest, prehaps violently.

Not sure if there is a threat there or not

Seems China is learning lessons from our military actions in Iraq (x2) and Afghanistan. According to the Spooks (that's law enforcement slang for the CIA) China is on a rapid advancement avenue for its military policy, upgrading their defense systems/tools and fine tuning their tactics. Guess the days of the human wave attack are over. Is this a threat ? Don't think so. I think instead its smart policy making, moving their nation up in the overall preparedness department. With so many internal problems right now, I just don't see the Chinese as wanting to start a program of expansion just yet. And with the Olympic Games and other feel good warm fuzzy one world/one people stuff going on just a few minutes from now, I'd say that China has an opportunity to take a respected position in the center of the world stage in diplomacy much like America has done in the past but can't do anymore because our leaders have run the finances into the ground. And who knows, maybe with their no nonsense approach to things (CEO puts radiator fluid into cat food and lead into children's toys-CEO dies shortly after the mistake is discoveredhttp://noquarterusa.net/blog/2007/05/05/china-exports-poisoned-medicine-while-fda-cuts-back-labs/) they can clean up messes in ways that our system of government and weak hearted social conscience won't let us (hint- people don't die from water boarding, but then, the Chinese don't water board, they kill your family). So its with a healthy respect that I watch China as world events unfold. I won't turn my back on them either.