What's Up With China?

     In ths day and age, the only major threats, to the U.S., that are given much credibility are terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida.  However, after researching for a book that I am curently writing, I found out that there is a country that Americans should watch carefully.  There is a country that seems to be hiding like a wolf in sheeps clothing; just waiting for the right opportunity to strike. But why has the issue not come up often and why is the U.S. on somewhat friendly terms with them?
     The People's Republic of China, also known as China, is the second largest country in the world according to population.  Their economy has just become the second largest economy in the world behind the U.S.  China's economic and military advancements have been pretty dramatic over the past decade.  China has used this economic growth to fund the expansion of offensive and defensive military capabilities.  So what brings me to consider China as a threat to U.S. national security?
     The Chinese have been very clear of their intensions, through the years, with different statements, threats, and speeches aimed towards the U.S.  There was a speech made by the Chinese Minister of Defense where he talked about solving the issue of America.  He also talked about how China must put up with America and conceal their ultimate goals; hide capabilities and await the right opportunity.  He spoke of cleaning up America by using biological weapons to eliminate mass populations.  He admitted that they are willing to kill one to two hundred million Americans to secure a victory.  In the recent past, the Chinese have even threatened to drop a nuke on Los Angeles if we interfered with the Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
     Why has the U.S. been so tolerant with all of this aggressive rhetoric coming from China?  To make it even worse, the U.S. has sought to broaden cooperation with China. Why?  Well, one reason is that China has a lot of influence over the American economy.  In order to fund the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, we sold government bonds abroad.  China has purchased a bunch of those bonds because it is a good investment for them.  When bonds are purchased, it is basically giving the government a loan.  Should China cash in those bonds, it would cripple the U.S. economy into a depression.  Nobody wants that to happen.  The economy already went into a recession and is still trying to recover. 
     Another reason is the fact that many influential government leaders are involved with businesses that conduct business in China.  Since China has more consumers than any other country in the world, people salavate at the prospect of doing business in China.  If you cause problems for the Chinese government or publicly embarass them, then you will not do business in China. 
     The Chinese are in a position to cripple our economy and have built up their military as if preparing for war.  They have been more cooperative recently than in past years.  Both countries have reasons to keep things civil when relating to one another; however, we are one of their natural enemies.  So what's next in this akward relationship?  Are the Chinese doing as their Minister of Defense suggested; concealing their ultimate goals of destroying America by playing nice and waiting for the right opportunity?  I guess we will all find out.