One thing that should worry us though in terms of national defense is that they run the Panama Canal now. They control the locks at both ends...and the Cinese Army has been allowed to train at our old bases there.
Imagine what will happen if they try to retake Taiwan and we want to transfer ships from the Atlantic to the Pacific to try and come to Taiwan's aid.
The Canal is in the process of being expanded and will double in capacity in 2014. It is my understanding that a rich Chinese man has purchased the locks and ports rather than the Chinese government.
I just do not think the Chinese will be that stupid to take Taiwan or restrict commerce and ships thru the canal. A nuke war would be one that the Chinese would lose and it would not be in their economic intrest either. Now, if the muzzies owned it, I would be worried.
Another thing that would help would be the US treating Panama like a red headed stepchild with trade agreements and the IRS demanding access to bank accounts of US citizens.