Chinese Aggression

To whom it may concern,

Over the past decade, China has made relatively few overtures to the United States. They refuse to adjust the Yuan to its true value, more or less sponsor the piracy of American goods, continued to threaten an ally by asserting its claim over Taiwan, marginalized its Tibetan minority, and now conducts military maneuvers against American ships in international water. As if holding several Americans captive for nearly two weeks after a mid-air collision with a Chinese plane wasn't enough, now they are provoking our navy. They have been emboldened by economic success and significant technological advancements. They align themselves not with our circle of close allies, but without direct opposition. These actions are characteristic of an imperialistic world power who answers to no one. The clause at the end of the previous sentence, "even the United States", holds little meaning now. Our neighbor to the east has grown arrogant with national pride and economic power. China still has the largest standing army on the planet. What will this administration do, in the short and long term, to check Chinese aggression politically, economically, and militarily?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP