america or china?

[cheyenne]

people keep going on about how powerfull america is.but surely its the chinese we have to keep an eye on.the most populated country in the world with a large army plus the weapons to go with it.can you imagine if it were them that invaded iraq. it would have been all over in days.watch out america theres a bigger mightier force just around the corner?

[TariqE]

In terms of manpower then China has a larger army.  But the US army is more powerful in terms of firepower.

[tartanwiz]

America has more intercontinental ballistic missiles than China, plus USA has global economic power, which China hasn't. China does have the world's largest land army, that's true, with Soviet-style tanks, but they are still not as equipped as the American military machine. They have an efficient navy, but it is committed to coastal defence only.

[NapoleonSolo]

There are many economic analysts who are predicting China will nominate the 21st Century as America has dominated the 20th. As for Militarily, true, the USA may be more powerful due to their technology but they've got a health respect for China.  Why do you think North Korea have not been attacked by "G dubalya"? They've launch Ballistic Missiles that flew over Japan & have a advanced Nuclear program the ultimate WMD. It is only because they [the USA] don't want to go upsetting China by messing around in her back yard.

[Bangkok]

Tartanwitz, it depends on what you mean by economic power.  China has a huge balance of payments surplus, a lot of which is invested in US Dollars.  If they pulled the plug, the US economy would melt.  Chances are, they won't do that, because it would harm China too.  I have just been to Beijing, and the level of economic development is staggering, and Shanghai is truly amazing.  The US seems to hold the mantle for historic reasons, but if it hasn't aleady passed to China, it will not be long.  It will, however, be a long time before some people accept the fact!

[mash]

China will be the largest economy by 2050. Why? Because they just get on with it, no cr*p, no spin, no global PR, no need to tell everyone globally they are huge, just results. Look and learn those counties who want the same. Keep talking those with no ideas. Invest in China long term you will not fail to cash in.

[tartanwiz]

Napoleon is supposed to have said: "China is a sleeping giant. Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will shake the world".

[bernardo]

I was browsing in a bookshop a while ago and found a book which predicts that (contrary to the general consensus of opinion) China will collapse politically within 10 years, becaus eof widespread corruption and inefficiency.

[NoGood Boyo]

Look back into history and you will notice that all previous global or semi-global powers and empires have declined and perished. It's interesting to look for the symptoms of the same phenomenon in today's world. Items like the USA budget deficit, self indulgence leading to obestity, an almost 50/50 split electorate ........ any more, anyone?