Hawaiian

Russia does not need to import oil nor food to feed its 145 million people while China has 1.4 billion hungry mouths to feed. How long do you think China will last if the tankers and the container ships of food stop coming? One of the goals of the Belt Road Initiative was to prevent this from happening. Ever wonder why you don't hear much about this gargantuan project anymore?

Let us hope that "yet" never comes. While China has a formidable military force Xi knows such a decision will not end well for China. China has few allies and most would be of little help.

Is Xi willing to risk the economic fallout if he invades Taiwan. Besides sanctions, the U.S. and its allies could impose a blockade that would disrupt shipping and devastate the Chinese economy and also affect its food supply. Only time will tell.

I tend to agree with everything you have said, especially about Japan's potential to become a force to reckon with. The U.S. alliance with the Japanese is the best bet to counter China's aggression. As you implied, China has internal problems that could take down the ruling CCP. Their economy has matured to the point that it is not able to meet the needs and expectations of its people. Don't hear much about the New Silk Road. It is a financial investment that is over ambitious and over extended. In other words, a money sinkhole.

At Walmart I buy a 12 pack box of Express brand ramen with 3 ounce packs for $2.88 which comes to 24 cents a pack vs. a 2.11 ounce pack of Mama for 23 cents (with the 2 baht raise) in Thailand. I have seen Mama sold at one Hawaii supermarket for 80 cent a pack which is more than 3 times the cost of the Express brand. I often use ramen mixed in with stir fry pork and vegetables, a dish my Thai wife likes.

Price here on the island of Hawaii is almost four times. Customers on another island pay even more.

Years ago before I knew the rules, I booked a round trip with a return flight which put me at 11 days overstay. I applied for a 7 day extension (maximum allowed) at 1900 baht. Immigration told me to pay the overstay fine upon departure which I did. The young women at the airport was all smiles when I had the 2,000 baht ready and she didn't have to explain anything to me. I have made over a dozen trips since then and never had a problem with immigration.