In considering the "Big Idea" and what it could mean for the region, here are two very good articles that provide some insight into what China's role is today and what it is becoming in the global economy. Perhaps this can provide some scale.
First article says China needs to see more revenues, that Foreign Direct Investment (non-Chinese investing in China) decreased by 21-23% Y/Y. For scale, 21% = $27.7B. This is the seventh month in which FDI has decreased for China; meanwhile, this still shows a continued flow of global investor monies into China. They're still producing, and although it may be below initial targets, they're still growing. Meanwhile, they're still investing in interests outside of their home country.
Basically, they need to export, and preferably to first world countries that can afford their goods. Namely, the US.
Source:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124227141344418411.html
The other article discusses China's role in the global commodities markets, focusing on copper and oil. I hope it provides a scale to the sheer size of the Chinese economic engine and their continued desires to expand.
Title:
It's China's World; The Rest Of Us Just Live In It
Americans simply do not grasp the competition that is coming down the pike. We are too busy spending our 'stockpile' on bailing out the oligarchs' personal pocketbooks.
Source:
http://seekingalpha.com/article/137659- ... live-in-it
What I hope to convey is that the Chinese economic engine will soon be second globally only to that of the US. To secure a position as a port of first entry for sensitive & expensive goods, and to be a gateway point between the two countries for business & negotiations, only could make StL a huge return on any investments made, whether that be in time, monies, real estate, or political capital. As we flounder, they're getting ready for the bounce-back. Let's hope we're ready to be the first to cooperatively engage them.
