Why China Isnt Happening Yet

china does not recognize intelectual property ownership. japan does. there is nothing wrong per say with buying affordable gear made in china provided the manufacturer is clearly stating where it sources parts and where it is assembled. some companies like quad and others try to not mention that their products are no longer made at all in the u.k. and even the ownership is not the same. the only thing thats the same is the name. this doen't mean the products are bad, it just isn't very honest.

Cruz 123 nailed it. China is growing exponentially, but their people are going to become more savvy and demand more. Will China loosen the chains or drop the Maoist shit on 'em?

Stay tuned, this ones far from over.

Don't forget that just because it's made in China doesn't mean those factories are Chinese owned. If a nasty, mean, penny-pinching American owner goes to China and opens up a factory to make those cheap toys that doesn't work and brings it over to sell to your kids, then who should you blame? Now if the factory was Chinese owned and imported by Chinese then you have more right to be mad at them. :D But you're still in many ways blamming the whole for what a few people did.

But really, if you go to China and shop, there's a lot of good quality cheap stuff. Of course if these goods are exported, it will probably no longer be a good deal so you get the cheaper and lower quality stuff.

CW,
Being outside of the US, the concern shared by many economists is over ever increasing US household debt rather than:
- pension schemes (as defined contribution has effectively moved the risk from employer to employee), and
- medical aid (as innovative products are providing some solutions).
This debt is not gravity defying and at some point in time, could trigger some economic nasties...

Both China and India will have larger economies than the US and probably sooner than 2035! Being the 3rd largest world economy is not a bad thing its just basic maths that Chindia will be bigger. The good news is that this growth alleviates poverty and lifts living standards the world over.

The US challenge is to benefit from these events and so far, it seems to be going in the wrong direction (especially post 911). Consider the fact that a weaker dollar has not feuled US exports and instead, it continues to be a net importer. US politicians are demanding revaluations of the Chinese currency to achieve some sort of trade balance. These are temporary solutions. Permanent solutions are needed.

As Chindias domestic economies gain momentum its reliance on US exports becomes less important. Where does this leave the US?

The world needs a strong healthy US economy. I'm worried.