“The World Is Flat is the timely and essential update on globalization, its successes and discontents, powerfully illuminated by one of our most respected journalists.” That would be Thomas L. Friedman. His book is an eye opener.
Despite the recent recalls of Chinese made toys and other products distributed in the United States, China is the booming nation of the world. It’s not a new phenomena.
BusinessWeek ran an article last January (January 25, 2007) entitled “China Growth Blows Past Forecasts” which reported China’s 2006 growth was at the rate of 10.7%. That growth followed a 2005 grwoth rate of 10.4%. Reports for 2007 have not yet appeared in the media but forecasts for last year ranged from 8% to 10%. Newsweek’s January 7, 2008 cover story is titled “CHINA NOW.” That Newsweek section consisted of separate articles. One of them was written by New York City’s mayor, Michael Bloomberg.
Reports of ever growing oil consumption, manufacturing, building and highway construction, etc. in China can only lead to one conclusion. China is quickly becoming the second most economically powerful nation in the world. Perhaps the most economically powerful nation in the world.
China does not have to become an enemy of the United States if this does occur. Economically sucessful natons can work together for the betterment of all. Mayor Bloomberg article, A Race We Can All Win”, isn’t about beating China. It is about a competitive race that will make the world a better place.
I believe it is important to look at the views of our presidential candidates regarding this topic. So I looked at their web sites and here is what I found. It’s all very disappointing.– Barack Obama wants to “work to ensure that China plays by international rules.”
– John Edwards has no positions on foreign affairs.
– Hillary Clinton says “The United States will face a resurgent Russia whose future orientation is uncertain and a rapidly growing China that must be integrated into the international system.”
– Mike Huckabee has no position on China. He does have a page titled “National Security/Foreign Policy: War On Terror” on which he says “With a focus on renewed diplomacy and inclusion, we can accomplish the goals of our nation without having to go it alone.”
– Mitt Romney: “China and the rapidly developing nations of Asia are growing into stronger economic competitors.”
– John McCain: under the National Security issue, “potential strategic competitors like China and Russia mean that America requires a larger and more capable military to protect our country’s vital interests and deter challenges to our security.”
– Rudy Giuliani: has no positions on foreign affairs beyond the fight against terrorists.
Coast Contact 
How important is China? Well, let’s say I have told my daughter and son-in-law that they should encourage my 4 year old grand daughter to learn to speak the Mandarin Chinese language. My son-in-law is was not too pleased but I am a realist and have already begun to point my international trade business in that direction.