Is it possible that we will survive the coming cold war with China?

[IDHow]

With just sheer luck being the reason the world didn't fall into a nuclear war the last time it was a cold war, will we be as lucky this time around if we, the people, don't do something really radical? How can this whole system of antagonistic states seeking dominance and subversion over other states not lead to a disaster with 21st century technology in the hands of the power hungry leaders? The value system ingrained from our birth of greed, dominance and power as something good is not sustainable in today's world of potential mass destruction. We were lucky it didn't lead to disaster last time, but how can it not lead to disaster soon unless we abolish both the state system and capitalism, both of which focus on greed, power and domination over others?

[greymattermom]

1. buying not fighting

They own us already. No need to fight.

[pampango]

10. As of July 2010 - China had 6.2% of our debt, Japan 6.1%, the UK 2.5%, etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_public_debt#Foreign_ownership



Looks like foreigners hold about 28% of our public debt. China holds 20.8%, Japan 20.2%, and the UK 9.2% of that.

If China "owns" us by holding 5.8% of our debt, so does Japan which holds 5.7%. Even the UK "owns" 2.6% of us.

[pampango]

2. Never had a cold war with Japan, just economic competition. Why not China? n/t

[IDHow]

3. Because Japan was occupied and under total military control of the US

If the US didn't have total military control of Japan, then it would be a more similar situation, however China is 10 times bigger than Japan so just by that alone, is perceived as a more potent challenger to US hegemony.

Everything is now geared up to a new Cold War with China, I don't see how this can end well.

[SKKY]

4. Probably not, but we'll just keep borrowing money from them, then in about 20-25 years...

...let their one child policy run its course. Either way, it WILL NOT be pretty.

[DonCoquixote]

5. You forget one thing

This time, China, for better or worse, has a vested interest in keeping us somewhat float, because no one else, certainly NOT the EU, will but their crap, or consider them worthy partners. If you want a Col War, we have one with the Arab World (that is hot in two places)and with the rest of the American hemisphere.

[IDHow]

6. I don't really think that "vested interest" is any stronger than in the past

Just look at the situation between France and Britain in the 19th century or France vs Germany. They were their biggest economic partners but it was constant rivalries, wars, destruction and terrible suffering.

We need to realize that this is serious business DonCoq. It's about how you and me will survive this!

[pampango]

7. The EU imports more from China than the US does.

214 billion euros (about $298 billion at 1.41 euros/dollar that year) worth in 2009.

http://ec.europa.eu/trade/creating-opportunities/bilateral-relations/countries/china/

The US imported $296 billion from China last year.

http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c5700.html

[The_Commonist]

8. China will be around long, long after we are gone...

And they damn well know it.
It won't matter to the Chinese what little "political system" or "economic system" prevails, they will run the planet soon enough, and we may have the opportunity to share it with them, or not.

Won't matter much to them...

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

9. They have been around a lot longer too n/t