It was not that long about that we were told that Japan was going to be a dominant power on the world stage.In the 1980s, there were stories of massive Japanese investment in the West. Americans feared that the Yen would surpass the dollar, and that Uncle Sam's power would be challenged. Japan was going to be the shit!
We were told that a more aggressive nationalistic Japan would begin to assert herself internationally.I saw a cartoon with American astronauts landing on Mars, only to find the Japanese already there....selling cars!!There was more than a touch of racism that an power was going challenge the United States.
In the 1990s, something happened.
Japan went into recession.The growing economic power seemed to falter. Suddenly a new power emerged called China.China cast of the shackles of Communism and embraced capitalism. The rapid economic growth of China, her massive investment abroad and her military expansion means that China really in the Asian power to watch. Be under no illusion, this is a country that aims to increase influence worldwide.
Look what happened at the United Nations last week. China blocked a Security Council resolution that called for more sanctions against Zimbabwe.Why?China has money,serious money invested in Zimbabwe, and small issues like human rights are not going to road block them.
We worry no longer bother about Japan because China the power with the economic/political clout.
Watch this space.
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