China is not growing more democratic. It gives the world outside an impression it it but there are deep deep problems here at present. Many riots in many cities mainly caused by the poorer people and peasant farmers objecting the only way they can when they see the corruption at all levels of government.

The Chinese press is told not to report and they obey. Thanks god for the international press and the South China Morning Post an HK published daily whose reporters are regulalry harrassed by the mainland authorities.

However its a mei ban fa situtation (nothing to be done) and GW has to work with the Chinese.

I would suggest that GWB stays out of North Korea and let the Chinese deal with it. They cut off oil supplies last year to N Korea which brought the Koreans back to the table.

If GW decided to ignore advice on N Korea and invade or take military action then the consequences in this part of the world would be very bad indeed.

Added to which the China - Taiwan situation is not a good one and GW could find himself drawn into that too.