To: RealMuLan who wrote (369 ) 8/16/2003 5:07:45 PM From: BubbaFred Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 6370 Actually it is good they publish such a report. It points out China's fragile economy and how much they are walking on a tight rope and all the balancing acts they have to do. So much poverty still and so much work to do with the infrastructure. With so much potential problems, it is no wonder they have stand fast on the currency revaluation because they have choose what's best for stability. Hopefully it will appease and mute the China paranoia. Furthermore the world can rest assured there will be no military threat from China. They don't have conquer and plunder mentality. The military budget is so puny compared to US military budget. It is intended to modernize and improve efficiency, and make sure (or at least make it much more difficult) to become enslaved and degraded by foreigners, like in the 1920's to the mid 40's. During those years, Shanghai was sectored into various western zones where the locals were mere coolies, and restricted where they could be seen in those zones. Unbelievable! Let them proceed one step at a time and address the growing pains. The population is huge and the dilapidated infrastructure needs repair and upgrading. Just think how much it would cost to upgrade the electrical grid system in northeast United States. In China, it's not just the electricity but also the roads, sanitary systems, water storage dams (the small ones for local agricultural areas), roads, etc. I think the world should be thankful that China's top leadership places highest importance to developing the economy and its infrastructure. People in China are fortunate to have such enlightened leadership that's willing to carry huge burden of responsibility to improve the well being of the population. The present leadership is carrying that burden seriously, and not sitting on their laurels and fatten themselves up. They seem to continue looking ahead with long term planning and trying to get the biggest bang for each buck. There is also some mutual economic development with the neighboring countries. The plan appears to be more comprehensive and very much implemented based on keen understanding and knowledge of the different regions. By complementing one another and working hard, that region has the hopes of prospering together. They can do it because they are rising from the similar economic level. Besides, where are the fruits of 50 years of Uncle Sam's easy money handouts to those south and southeast Asian countries?