Originally Posted by
jiejie
There's no question that the primary purpose of the morning parade is a military display. The civilian floats that follow soften things up, but are still geared to promoting Look what the Party has done for the Nation.
I disagree. In this century, the people are more concerned with their own living standard and not how many guns are available.
In the "post cold war era", the economic might is the one 'feared', as in foreign exchange surplus, strong currency, lots of power to purchase US debt! The spectacle from 2008 Beijing Olympics really exemplifies the direction of China, IMHO.
Unlike from the 50's to the demise of the Soviets, I don't think anyone really thinks there is ever going to be war btw China and the West. Although there is an old school of thought that eventually Japan might flex it's muscles....
Enough said by me, I fear the moderator will ask us to move this an omni thread
And one other thought as I was talking with my wife on the subject: did you catch those hot cracker jack troops in the red mini-skirts, white boots and submachine guns - now that is what might pose the biggest thread to western democracy!