This is a good, thought provoking diary.  I basically disagree with much of the analysis while still agreeing with the overall premise that an intense competition between the US and China is taking place that could (but only under extreme circumstances) lead to war.

I give little credence the idea that the US lacks sufficient self restraint or something like maturity (if such exists in countries) to prevent it from making unprovoked (nuclear) war on China, or that anyone in the US Government (even GWB) believes China can be intimidated into economic submission with satellites or any other technological marvel. China is not Iraq, Iran, N Korea, Syria, Afghanistan, or any other combination of military/economic lightweights.  The US did not go to war with the USSR or China during the Cold War period when it clearly had military superiority. Why would it do so now? Yes, things are likely to become very very difficult but war on this scale offers no advantage to anyone. I think by now most in the US realize that the genie (China) is out of the bottle and won't get back in on demand.

I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell. _ Blood Sweat & Tears