China now top trader with Japan - BBC

[rndmprsn]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4208217.stm

China overtook the US to become Japan's biggest trading partner in 2004, according to numbers released by Japan's Finance Ministry on Wednesday.

China accounted for 20.1% of Japan's trade in 2004, compared with 18.6% for the US. In 2003, the US was ahead with 20.5% and China came second with 19.2%...

...However, economists predict China will become an even more important Japanese trading partner in the coming years. On Tuesday, figures showed China's economy grew by 9.5% in 2004 and experts say the overall growth picture remains strong.

Analysts see two spurs to future growth as being China's membership of the World Trade Organisation and lower trade tariffs.

[MyDogSpot]

1. There goes our future

and our jobs.

[tedzbear]

2. Time to move to China.

eom

[MyDogSpot]

3. What in my apt. was not manufactured there?

My wireless optical mouse, for example--Chinese.

[David__77]

4. China's international strategy is brilliant.

They are using economics to wage a struggle for peace. It's been successful. Notice the neo-cons don't bray for war against China. China would do well to use large foreign reserves as leverage.

[w4rma]

6. Not peace.

Dominance. The Chinese government is dangerous and devious. They treat their citizens like slaves.

[David__77]

7. The human rights condition in China is light years ahead of...

...many US allies, including countries like India and Indonesia. If they treat their citizens like slaves, so does Mexico, Malaysia, Colombia, and any number of other countries.

"Dangerous and devious?" It is not China dropping bombs on foreign lands. Not a single Chinese troop occupies another country, not a single Chinese military base resides on foreign soil.

One may argue about Tibet province like one may argue about Quebec province or Hawaii state, but the all countries recognize Tibet as a part of China, as all countries recognize Hawaii as a part of the US.

Tienanmen was a horrible thing like Kent state was a horrible thing. I hope that Americans will look to their own country before condemning others out of hand.

[w4rma]

9. Wow are you ignorant of how things work.

Sure Tibet is NOW considered a part of China, but it's been decades since they invaded and began occupying it. And everyone is afraid of China so they kiss up to them by telling them what you are telling us.

[DrWeird]

8. That's right. It's a very dangerous government.

Just look at the bloody Chinese invasion of Iraq and their war crimes there.

[billyoc]

10. Well, it's easy to look sweet and kindly

compared to the current US regime, but China has had their share of
human rights violations as well. Just saying they're not as bad as
the neocons in power in the US isn't saying much. That's like saying
that Alberto Gonzales isn't as bad as John Aschroft. :)

[PurityOfEssence]

5. Yee-ha! It's the Greater East-Asian Co-prosperity Sphere, at last!

More and more countries are pulling away from us. Why shouldn't they?