It worries me a bit that there is so much talk about WWIII. I am not of the camp that would want to see this turn into war and I’m hoping that this is just for sensationalistic appeal, but this sort of thing can become self-fulfilling prophecy. Yes, China would have us as a business partner but if you look at the past world wars, you’ll find economics did not have anything to do with preventing war. Past world wars were also set off by what many would consider to be small conflicts. The problem arises when powers begin to mobilize their military to show a credible commitment to war. The U.S. is a declining hegemonic power that is on the brink of economic crisis and we have a greater interest vested in the Middle East then we have ever had before. We could be pulled into this conflict quite easily. Israel will continue to attack and may end up pulling Syria and Iran into this. The U.S. considers Iran a legitimate threat and may use the opportunity to “assist” Israel in the defeat of Iran. China and Russia have great interest in Iran as an economic, energy and military power, but that is probably not how China would be brought into this. China would be brought in by making a timely and intentional grab for Taiwan, at a time when the U.S. is already stretched out thin militarily and fighting wars on multiple fronts (including an economic and housing meltdown at home). But you say “China couldn’t possibly compare militarily to the U.S.”. Well to that I say, hello there Russia! Both China and Russia have been performing joint military exercises and China has been a huge consumer of Russian warfare technology and arms. In addition China could drive a dagger right into the heart of the already damaged U.S. economic engine by dumping their U.S. dollar reserves (only second to Japan in holdings) and making our currency substantially weaker than it already is. India could also play a role in further exacerbation of global conflict.
