Take a step back: pull out a world map and look at the Chinese boundary changes over the past 4000 years. Who has ever conquered the Chinese? Largest population in the world making products used throughout the world. In 1987 the standard of living in China was much lower than in the industrialized countries, but nearly all Chinese people had adequate food, clothing, and housing. In addition, there was a positive trend toward rapid improvements in living conditions in the 1980s as a result of the economic reforms, though improvements in the standard of living beyond the basic level came slowly. The second major change in the standard of living came about as a result of the rapid expansion of productivity and commerce generated by the reform measures of the 1980s. After thirty years of austerity and marginal sufficiency, Chinese consumers suddenly were able to buy more than enough to eat from a growing variety of food items. Stylish clothing, modern furniture, and a wide array of electrical appliances also became part of the normal expectations of ordinary Chinese families. By means of centralized economic planning, the People's Republic was able to redistribute national income so as to provide the entire population with at least the minimal necessities of life and to consistently allocate a relatively high proportion of national income to productive investment. Their govt, good or bad, runs a tight ship immune to foreign intervention. As long as their people have food, shelter and clothing China will do just fine.