Senator Feinstein Speaks at Committee of 100 Annual Conference

Senator Feinstein spoke today at the Committee of 100′s 15th Annual Conference.

She shared a few facts that I thought were interesting. I wonder the reader thinks.

Fact 1 – 80% of China’s growth occurs in just 26 of her cities, and those 26 cities hold less than 1/4 of her population. Meaning…there are more than 1 billion Chinese who receive less than 20% of the benefit of this growth.

Fact 2 – The top one fifth of Chinese earners garner more than 50% of the nations’ wealth. Mull on that one for a while.

Fact 3 - It is estimated that more than $85 billion is lost because of political corruption. That’s nearly half the trade deficit!

But, said Senator Feinstein, none of these are the biggest challenge to China and the US and their relationship.

"An unstable China," she said, "is a greater challenge than a strong and confident China."

The greatest threat to business and relationship between the US and China is Taiwan and the danger of military conflict should Taiwan try to do something to disrupt the status quo.

During a "Century of Humiliation" where Hong Kong and Macau were ruled by foreign powers, Taiwan, too, tried to separate itself from the mainland. Hong Kong and Macau have returned to the fold, but Taiwan remains an outstanding humiliation. China wants Taiwan back…and the people of Taiwan are beginning to lean that way.

What will happen between Taiwan, China and the US poses more of a threat to the future of Chinese growth than anything else, says Senator Feinstein.

Maybe so….what do you think?