[mathattack]

I don't see it this way. The policy of cheap exports is actually to keep their people employed. Whatever they would be doing if they weren't exporting would keep them poorer than what they're doing today.

In addition, the large amount of foreign debt holdings gives them a claim on future output (or land, or other capital) of other countries. That gives the county geopolitical strength.

[randomafrican]

Poorer and more idle people are also more dangerous.