China.

[JB]

The news media has been ignoring a development that will affect the future of the world a lot more than the high adrenalin stories they love so well.<br /><br />China has become the 800 pound gorilla in the world economy.<br /><br />China has become a capitalistic socialist/communist culture.<br /><br />China has 25% of the world population.<br /><br />Their economy is exploding, and almost none of it is used for National Defense or involvement in other nations' business.<br /><br />They will use more of the world's oil than the USA within a few years. Their demand for oil has doubled in the last 5 years and will redouble in the next 5. That is the real reason for skyrocketing oil prices.<br /><br />As the Three Gorges Dam powerplant comes up to full capacity (largest in the world, world's largest impoundment) They will have the power to further expand their industry and to further increase their standard of living.<br /><br />With 2 billion people and a skyrocketing standard of living, China represents the world's largest consumer market (bigger than USA and Europe combined)and will soon be the worlds largest producer of consumer products.<br /><br />As the twentieth century was America's century, the 21st is likely to be China's century.<br /><br />How do we deal with this in a way most advantageous to America and Americans?

 

[oddjob]

Re: China.

Until I figured out something better...I would invest in their markets and trade. Other than that I dont know..

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: China.

They definately need food. Food may be their biggest import in a few years. They also need fuel and raw goods. High end technology would also be a big import, if the USA lets us export it.<br /><br />They must continue with their freedoms or the intellegent masses will revolt.<br /><br />In fact their economy may help us. As their economy booms, their labor costs will increase. Also shipping rates are really booming too. These two things together may make it more cost effective to have things made in the USA.<br /><br />And China is not the enemy, despite what Tom Clancy says. I think China has finally realized that greatness is measured in dollars, not the military.<br /><br />Ken

 

[samagee]

Re: China.

I disagree with the comment that they are using very little to non on weapons.<br /><br />I for one feel that every country in the world has a right to the standard of living that we have here. The only problem I have is when someone starts throwing weight around and imposing upon my freedoms.<br /><br />Let them grow! As long as they can live peacefully with the rest of the world, good for them. However, I suspect them as being involved with some very serious crap right now.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: China.

I think another reason they are booming now, is beacuse they are not tied down by a bunch on environmental laws.<br /><br />That will soon change.<br /><br />I saw on PSB a show about world economies and they had a theory that as economies boom, so does pollution and education. When the people get educated enough that they know the pollution is hurting them, they will require new laws, and then pollution goes down.<br /><br />Ken

 

[JB]

Re: China.

Good comments, Kenimpzoom.<br /><br />Their agriculture falls far short of feeding them. Until the Russians get their ag-act together we are still breadbasket of the world. That should bode well for American and Canadian farmers, and it may move us into more ag and less manufacturing.<br /><br />They have already started paying attention to their environment and plan to develop EPA rules and clean-green technology side by side. The Three Gorges (clean) powerplant is their first very big step in that direction. It will take about a half dozen dirty coal burning plants offline.

 

[Toad2001]

Re: China.

Good point Ken!<br /><br />Separate point-I try not to support them at all because they are after all a communist country.<br /><br />Yes they need food, and fuel...sounds like they need even more birth control too...

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: China.

china has madatory birth control toad...<br />does anyone have the trade numbers btw. US and<br />china?

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: China.

I wouldnt really call them communist any more. They are more of a "strict socialist".<br /><br />Only a few things remain for them to become a true socialist country. Free movement around the country (citizens cant easily move around in China) and true freedom of the press.<br /><br />This will occur in a few more years, the educated people will demand it.<br /><br />Ken

 

[PW2]

Re: China.

JB is clearly correct. World oil demand has shot up in the last few years, and China is a huge importer of oil, and getting bigger and bigger.<br /><br />We sell plywood to a company that makes crates for shipping car parts to a GM vehicle assembly facility in China. Car parts made in Canada, and they are currently using 16,000 sheets of 3/8" 4x8 plywood a month (US made).<br /><br />There are lots of things that China will need, from all sort of high tech equipment, and pollution control equipment, to airplanes (They have kept the Boeing company busy for many years)<br /><br />World trade is a good thing, but it will mean change, and adapting to change, which is always a difficult thing.<br /><br />Now is the time we need to get serious about energy sources from something other than fossil fuel, and fund it.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: China.

Originally posted by mellowyellow:<br /> china has madatory birth control toad...<br />

I know this sounds really weird, but China had to impose birth control, or else it would have remained in poverty and there would be famine everywhere.<br /><br />Look at the countries of Africa for examples.<br /><br />You decide which is better.<br /><br />Ken

 

[Toad2001]

Re: China.

I know MY, thats why I said "even more"...

 

[kd6nem]

Re: China.

We will continue to export food and technology. The technology they import will continue to be knocked off as soon as they get it then they will make their own replicas. As they start plowing with tractors instead of oxen they will use even more petroleum and need our food less. They certainly have the manpower, and with more copied technology the only use we will be to them is to steal technology from and to try to get our money by continuing to sell an ever expanding line of cheap imports. Once they feel they are strong and wealthy enough they might even decide to expand their borders some if we lose the resolve to stand up in the world. Both capitalism and communism have potential for good and evil. Their brand of capitalism is designed to fund their otherwise corrupt communism. A big difference between us and China is that if they speak state approved lies they find approval, if they speak the truth they are shot or made into slaves making cheap goods for export. If we speak approved lies (politically correct as deemed by the elite societal engineers in our midst) we find approval, if we speak the truth we get booed but not usually shot at. Their corruption is officially centralized, permeates the society, and the public has no say. Our corruption is found in government, the press, education system, business,-nearly everywhere- and permeates our society but is held at bay by those who are willing to speak the truth and hold the corrupt accountable. At least we can still speak the truth here, even if we do get slammed for it. And we still have the freedom to keep electing the scoundrels to office. One of these days they'll try to figure an excuse to go the rest of the way into an oligarchy. (Didn't Jefferson warn us about our judiciary turning into a legislative oligarchy themselves?) I've come to the conclusion that a government system is only as good as the hearts of those who make up the government. Further, the government typically reflects the hearts of the people. Particularly in an freely elected government.<br /><br />Truth is still a choice, therefore Freedom is still a choice! Fight vigorously for Truth and Freedom, lest we lose both!

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: China.

Good post Bearcat.<br /><br />I think China's economy will be the corrupt communists downfall.<br /><br />The reason the democracy movement failed in the 80-90s in China as cause not enough people realized the benefits. With education, it will come.<br /><br />And yes, they will copy every piece of tech we give them. They are the best in doing that, and the copies are getting better and better quality. <br /><br />The trick is to not give them the high profit tech. We'll just throw them the bones.<br /><br />Ken

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: China.

I don't think we should overlook some other facts about China.<br />There is a feeling out in the big world that China is infact the silent Super power of the World, and that by 2050 it will be the only dominant Super Power.<br />Personally I would prefer to see America continue in that position, but have heard comment to the effect that is not going to be the case.<br />Their economy is just too big, the unity within in their race to strong, and their desire to better themselves endless.<br />If we think them not as clever etc, (probably wrong word) then maybe we should all be thankfull they have not taken Americas stretched position at the moment to press home the unification of Taiwan with military force.<br />A future China worries me a little.<br />Cheers<br />Phillip

 

[crab bait]

Re: China.

i'll take aaaaaa ,, lets see .. a number 17..<br /><br />white rice not pork fried an ABSOLUTELY NO MSG..!!!<br /><br />can they make those soy sause packets easier to open..!!<br /><br />CAN THEY DO THAT ,,in this commin' century.!!

 

[bvassel3]

Re: China.

Hi JB. Top of the morning to you.<br /><br />I found your post about China to be most interesting. Here is some additional food for thought specifically pertaining to China and the marine industry.<br /><br />Ironically, I received an email yesterday from a man who said he was, ”…a Representative for Chongqing, China.” He then went on to say, “Chongqing, located on the Yangtze River South West China, is the largest city in the world with land size comparable (to) South Carolina and poplulation (sic) of 32 million. It offers a large labor force, trained personnel, good labor/wage ratio and good tax/business ratio.<br />I have a large manufacturing company in Chongqing that is entering the marine boat manufacturing field. The company does R/D, manufacturing, sales and services. They have 360,000 square meters of plant space, 5 motorcycle production lines, 4 engine production lines. They are in the process to manufacture small marine outboard motors. They are seeking to buy technology or do a joint/venture. I request to talk with you about this opportunity to invest in the rapid growing economy of Chongqing, China.”<br /><br />So, how does any US company compete with this LARGE company…a 360,000 sq. meters building is something like a 1,181,100 sq. foot building if my math is right…and it’s in a 32 million person city the size of South Carolina, with good tax incentives, and whose people are very motivated to improve their lowly station in life. Chinese workers’ wages are just a buck an hour compared to our $15-$30 per hour! (“Typically, a U.S. or Western European factory worker costs an employer $15 to $30 per hour. A Chinese factory worker earns the equivalent of less than $1 per hour. Source…Sunday March 7, WashingtonPost.com)<br /><br />Sobering, to say the least. BV

 

[ob]

Re: China.

You can't compete any more.Look closely at where almost everything you buy is made nowadays.It ain't USA.Don't forget that a buck an hour over there buys the guy that works at the factory a humble living,but nevertheless a living.His $8 to $12 bucks a day will buy you some lunch here.Sad thing is ,is that I'm still wondering where all of these great discounts on impoted goods are at in the wake of Nafta selling us out to overseas manufacturers.Many of which are owned solely or in part by the very corporate bigwigs that are now reaping higher profits on cheap labor.Can you spell modern day slavery for profit.It's a train out of control IMO and takes a giant dump on the previous blue collar sucker that made this nation what it once was.Nafta,deregulation,revolving door borders.What's next in the name of corporate greed.<br /><br />Fire away.

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: China.

Those higher profits create more jobs, and make stock holders richer. They dont shove the money under the mattress, they re-invest it, or buy luxury items. This then creates more jobs. Economics.<br /><br />Kinda weird that everything is made in China and yet we still have relatively low unemployment.<br /><br />I was wondering when the Chinese were going to get into boats. They are becoming more popular in the ATV and motorcycles.<br /><br />I am waiting for the first Chinese brand car to arrive. I am guessing 10 years down the road.<br /><br />Ken

 

[ob]

Re: China.

Let's not forget where the unemployment stats are obtained from.These are people that are drawing unemployment.The ones that have been out of work in the wake of downsizing and overseas relocations and no longer qualify are not part of the stats and disappear in the the woodwork.Some of them hade to start their own small businesses and made out ok.They hired a few people to help them operate their businesses but can't afford to pay them a decent enough wage really live good on though.They're more like stepping stone jobs to a road that is disappearing.Helps the unemployment stats though.Unemployment number stats are seriously flawed IMO.Buying luxury items made from elsewhere is indeed creating jobs.Just not American manufacturing jobs.Stockholders,investors,ceo's are indeed doing well.Many of the guys(military) that are defending their profits are borderline poverty level incomes while corporations manufacturing war goods are reaping big bucks.I personally have a problem with that.Waving the flag and saying thank you somehow just doesn't seem enough.