Just a little thing to consider: North Korea neighbors to China directly in the north Vietnam neighbors to China directly in the south There are continuing controversies about China fortifying islands in BOTH the NORTH and the SOUTH. Just pointing out the geopolitical associations which IN THE PAST would have led to DIRECT and VIGEROUS denunciations and protests from China. Not to mention the massive problems for China if even minor war breaks out between TWO south-flank neighbors, one of which is militarily friendly with the USA and other, almost a bitter enemy. Instead, we are on the edge of a comprehensive trade agreement with China. One cannot say that the world has not changed SIGNIFICANTLY in the past couple of years!