Chinese Nightmare

A new generation of Communist Party leaders in China are touting “the Chinese Dream.”  That may sound like the local counterpart to the laudable American one – whereby everyone has a chance to better themselves through the exercise of rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Unfortunately, the Chinese dream is emerging against the backdrop of dismal economic performance and growing domestic unrest over the communists’ corrupt and oppressive rule.  In response, Beijing is pursuing a massive military buildup with even deliberately understated official projections showing continued dramatic growth.  It will be by more than 10.7 percent this year alone.

China’s new leaders evidently dream of maintaining control at home by behaving more aggressively abroad.  That’s a formula for a nightmare for its neighbors, and for the rest of us.