Given the successful implementation of economic reforms, coupled with the collapse of the Communist system, and therefore a general strategic disorientation, I think it would be wise for the USA to decide exactly how much to concede to China long before we actually make the physical accomodations. But that China ought to be allowed to expand its strategic reach to some extent ought not be denied them, I think. 1.5 billion people, even if the economic trajectory is only based on 200-300 million of them and is probably unsustainable for much longer, ought to be at least slightly entertained in their ambitions in the waters just off their own coast. Of course this will require a balancing act among the other powers, but the Cold War is over, and this is inevitable. The real problem is the Chinese political oligopoly. It’s not going to be able to stay “Communist” for long, and then what?
