Paul Starr, co-editor of the American Prospect, writes:
With the highest growth rate of all major economies, China is on its way to becoming the largest. Its economic clout is immense, and its political influence is rising. Developing countries look to it as an alternative model of rapid economic growth, without such liberal complications as a free press, free elections, or an independent judiciary. No imaginative leap is necessary to predict that China will eventually turn its wealth into military might and become a superpower greater than the Soviet Union ever was.
And when its sun has risen fully, China may no longer be content to play a quiet role in the world. In mid-March, the National People’s Congress in Beijing authorized the use of “nonpeaceful” means against Taiwan if the latter ever moves toward independence. No confrontation looms at the moment. But China may be only biding its time, waiting until its power is so overwhelming that it can demand Taiwan’s submission, conÔ¨Ådent that the United States will have no choice but to go along.
The full article is here (via CBS News).
