[balthasar]

I wouldn't be so quick to write them off. A large percentage of the world respects the Chinese government which usually acts in their own economic interest is stable over the long term. Whereas in the US the government does nothing but enact poor economic and social policies as well as saber rattling or war every time a right wing president is elected.

[seanmcdirmid]

Well, unless you are Vietnam, the rest of SE Asia, Japan, or Taiwan. China can and does rattle sabers also.

[HumanDrivenDev]

Or India, or South Korea, or the Philipines..

China has quarrels with almost every nation that surrounds it. Even nations too far way to be affected by the sabre rattling are starting to question China and their influence (ie the debate in Australia right now).