Forgot 'bout this one... aight here's ma 2cent(not fitty) he he Izen,"I think america will be in the verge of collapse by then." For that very reason they want to keep tabs so they don't lose that edge. Remember the Spy plane showdown between US and China during Dubya's early days in office ? ".And I think economic power not the military power will be a decisive factor on the world affais in the years to come." It already is, who do you think is paying for Katerina and Rita's recovery(Ummmm....China) ? Just look at how much $$ Us owes toother countries---> 1994 Japan 230, United Kingdom 168, Germany 68, Canada 58, Switzerland 57, Middle East Oil Exporters 45, British West Indies 37, Taiwan 35, Singapore 34, Belgium 32, Rest of World 319, Unknown 161, Total 1,244 Billions. I remember a coment made by Cigar Bill Clinton that people should contribute as much as possible for the relief fund so that the Govt does not become too dependent in forein debt(ie Borrowing $$$ from China). As far as China not having big middle class in its current enviroment ?Yes but the future cuase Rome was not built in one day. But lets just focus on US interest in the region first. Chinese dominance short lived ? he he That is for us to see in the future. You talk like a soothsayer how do you know ?