In case the rest of the world hasn't noticed, there's a new kid on the block. Big, strong, mature, confident, self-assured, intelligent, wise, and, although quiet and shy, he carries a very big stick with muscle to back it up. "He" is China.
Since 1945, the US has been the true, world powerhouse balanced only by the USSR - the powerhouse of the East. After 1949, China was but a weak, communist country-cousin but the Sino-Soviet split (1961) ended that. Their uneasy relationship lasted until 1989 when suddenly a New World Order emerged.
And, just like Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks, China came out of the blue. As the new, economic and military superpower of the East, the rest of the world should pay heed - China is not to be trifled with.
In the post-war years, all countries universally looked to the US for monetary help and leadership but as time wore on, more and more nations demonstrated their sovereign independence. The First World War was supposed to be the war to end all wars, but it was merely a lead-up to a bigger war, World War Two, which simply set the stage for many other follow-up, regional conflicts around the globe - the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Middle-East Wars and others.
If we look back to the Korean War of 1950-53, we should remember that even the supremely confident
Gen. MacArthur panicked and trembled in fear at thoughts of an all-out, Asian ground war with the Chinese. When he threatened to use the A-bomb against them after 300,000 Chinese troops crossed the Yalu River to challenge American troops moving toward their border, that was enough for President Harry Truman, who saw a general exceeding his authority and challenging the supreme Commander-in-Chief.
With the help of China, the North Koreans fought UN troops to a ceasefire-stalemate signed at Panmunjom in 1953, but the official state of war still exists. And, with a military improving annually, but many times larger in manpower, all countries need to pay more attention to. Diplomacy with China has never responded well to threats or bullying, and now the worm has turned. In response to recent threats from abroad, China has issued some warnings of its own.
Although the political situation between China and the US has improved over past decades, four issues still persist: Taiwan, Tibet and now trade imbalance and currency values. The latter two are more easily solved than the former; Taiwan and Tibet are sticking points for which China has issued stern warnings to the West which, if not respected, should be heeded.
The West is adamant that Taiwan should retain its political system and remain free whereas China maintains just the opposite with its one-China policy. Tibet is equally contentious and one can be assured that China will not budge on either issue.
Historically, we must remember that in America's own Civil War, it warned off European countries when some considered supporting the Confederate South. Likewise, China sees Taiwan and Tibet as internal matters and does not appreciate any outside interference.
As a result China has firmly cautioned the US and other foreign powers neither to interfere with their sovereignty nor try to threaten or intimidate them near their borders. China is the most populous nation on Earth, and if pressed to necessity, it can raise the largest, well-equipped army the world has ever seen. Added to this, if attacked on home territory, China would have many distinct advantages.
MacArthur's terse warning, "Never enter into a land war in Asia," should be remembered, for we are sure to lose badly.
