Hawaiian

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.