(If anyone knows the signs of decadence through bitter experience, it's the Chinese.)
And after the Clinton Administration, the decadence of America's "Liberal" leaders, the decadence of the "Liberal" journalists and their propaganda in the newsmedia, and the closeness of the presidential election--even the American people did not know whether the U.S. was hopelessly decadent and sliding toward destruction or not.
I still think the Chinese leaders were watching to see what the U.S. reaction would be.
The response of the American people and of President George W. Bush was overwhelming.
It overwhelmed the Chinese. They will not consider any adventure against the U.S.
The alliance of Russia and the U.S. further frustrates any ambitions the Chinese may have for world domination and the destruction of the West. China will be forced to cooperate.
Islam will either cooperate and accomodate to the West or will be destroyed.
As for China and the Muslims--Islam is as odious to the Chinese as it is to anyone else.
America will prevail. There are two reasons: (1)The people of the American Heartland, where strength, energy, and the American genius flourish, and (2) President George W. Bush, who is the quintessence of the American Heartland and the embodiment of the American spirit.
You are dreaming if you think September 11 did anything to bolster our image in China. Remember a little spy plane incident prior to 911? Do you think they forgot the huge whoopin they over that one? I would laugh if it weren't so sad.
While China is not likely to attack us directly, Taiwan is an inviting target—especially if we are "engaged" somewhere else.