And, yet they do compete and very effectively.
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Some perspective on China.
Commencing around 1500 BC w/the Shang, on to the
Ching (Manchu) in 1912 AD, China had been
controlled/dominated by some dozen autocratic Dynasties.
Since then, it was ruled by a series of Warlords, culminating
in the current Communist dictatorship.
As a consequence China has never developed a creative spirit
and an innovative drive; prerequisites for any great nation. NEVER!
As a result, they cheat, lie and steal their way in the world. SURPRISE!
Two anecdote from history say volumes about the Chinese mindset.
During the rule of Shi Huang/Qin Dynasty around 200 BC, he
constructed tens of thousands of life sized clay terra-cotta warriors
armed w/swords; on foot, on horseback and in chariots.
And for what purpose??? Why to protect him against any uprising!
Then some 2000 years later, Emperor Hong Li/Qing Dynasty diverted
scarce monetary resources dedicated to re-building China's Navy
to the construction of the "Marble Battleship: the Boat of Ease and Purity"
made of Italian Marble, which still rests in the lagoon behind the
Summer Palace in Beijing, never moving an inch since 1755! Doubtless
he was certain the Boat would scare the hell out of the Japanese Navy!!!
China is laughable as a world power and some need to get real about that reality!!!