Eyefusion: You term foes as competitors, to me it is more related to Economic hurdles than political conflicts. Like you, I am not an expert either but recently I am little interested to scratch out causes and issues for the conflicts and the possible conflicts. To me, if Am and Chinese both put aside their differences and try to resolve it at diplomatic level, conflict could be avoided. But who will initiate ? Will China give up its imperialist attitude not to include Taiwan in its mainland or will America pull out its military base from tiny island ? Which is likely to happen? None.. You said , "But personal opinions aside, the fact is china cannot be put in the same category as iraq and afghanistan.." you absolutely right.. But conflicts between China and American is neither can put on same catagory as those conflicts between American and its Muslim evil. the Relation is even more severe between these two powers, Taiwan being a sandwich. They are in verge of "anything may happen" -- good or bad. Lets wait and see my friend.